Member

It may be the case that companies wish to have a consumer representative on the company board and we therefore would like this option to remain open to companies if that is the way they would prefer to work. The Government are therefore supportive of this flexibility provided by the proposed approach set out in Ofwat’s consultation, while being clear that consumers need to be meaningfully represented. If companies fail to ensure the voices of consumers are heard, then Ofwat will be able to take enforcement action. I hope that Ofwat’s proposed approach, which already provides water companies with a great amount of flexibility to determine the best way of ensuring consumer views are elevated to board level, is reassuring to the noble Lords.