Member

I turn to Amendment 24 tabled by the noble Baroness, Lady Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville, and introduced by the noble Earl, Lord Russell. We are unable to pre-empt the outcomes of Ofwat’s consultation but, once the rules are set, Ofwat will be able to use its direction-giving power and wider enforcement framework to hold companies to account where they have contravened the rules. A range of interventions short of a direction may be suitable in certain circumstances, and it is important that Ofwat has the flexibility to determine the most appropriate course of action to secure the best outcome for both customers and the environment.