Oral Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
“What steps she is taking to improve the inspection of water infrastructure. ”
Tabled: 29 January 2026Answered: 5 February 2026
Asked by
James Asser
Labour — West Ham and Beckton
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Answer from Hansard
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)
This Government are overhauling the regulatory system to deliver better outcomes for consumers and the environment. In our water White Paper, we set out plans for a more powerful, integrated regulator with real teeth, introducing MOT-style checks on pipes, pumps and other water infrastructure. Last year alone, the Environment Agency has ramped up enforcement, more than doubling inspections of water company assets.