Water bill rises needed to fix investment, report says

The water industry in the UK is facing significant challenges, and a recent report suggests that water bills may need to rise to address these issues. The report, which is a major review of the industry, highlights the need for increased investment to improve the infrastructure and address long-standing problems. One of the key recommendations in the report is the introduction of compulsory smart meters, which could help to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency. Additionally, the report suggests scrapping the current regulator, Ofwat, and replacing it with a new body that would have a broader remit to oversee the industry. While the proposed changes may be unpopular with consumers, the report argues that they are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water industry and to address the significant investment required to fix the system. The report's findings will likely be closely scrutinized by policymakers and industry stakeholders as they consider the best way forward.