Sir Jon Cunliffe recommends radical overhaul of Water Regulators

ADA broadly supports Sir Jon Cunliffe’s final report published earlier today in calling, amongst a range of other actions, for increased investment in the maintenance and operation of our water supply and sewerage systems, which themselves form a key part of effective flood and drought management. ADA welcomes the radical nature of Cunliffe’s proposals and the hope that the implementation of new measures to increase the country’s focus on the importance of water will be widely embraced and rapidly implemented by Government. On another of Cunliffe’s key recommendations, ADA sees devolution to more local accountability and decision making as a significant step in the right direction and commits to work with Government towards a wide-ranging Water Reform Bill which is expected to be consulted upon in the autumn. ADA will continue to call upon Government to fully recognise the work of Internal Drainage Board members with their local knowledge and experience in managing water resources in the lowlands of Britain.

Innes Thomson, ADA’s Chief Executive, commenting on the Cunliffe Report, said “This is a long overdue and comprehensive set of recommendations about how we should transform our water sector and, in so doing, have positive effect on sustainable flood & drought management. Getting this right will help generate a much more positive approach to growth through water management being at the centre of our economic, social and environmental wellbeing.”

Robert Caudwell, ADA’s Chair added “ADA sees this as an opportunity to plan for water resources in a holistic way where IDBs can play an important role, supporting water companies, farmers and other water users.”

Notes to Editors

ADA

ADA is the membership organisation for those involved in drainage, water level and flood risk management. Its members include Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the Environment Agency, Regional Flood Defence Committees, Local Authorities, Natural Resources Wales, the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency, Consultants, Contractors and Suppliers.

ADA is involved in a wide range of work for and on behalf of its members helping to exchange ideas towards solving common problems and finding new, better ways of working. ADA responds to consultations from the Government, either on behalf of members or assisting with individual member responses. It represents all interests nationally and locally in relation to drainage, water level and flood risk management, for example, in relation to legislation and public inquiries. ADA acts together with other organisations to pursue the Association’s objectives, including linking to Europe through ADA’s membership of EUWMA, the European Union of Water Management Associations.

ADA obtains and shares information on matters of importance and interest to members, and provides advice on technical and administrative problems. ADA is supported by a volunteer network of branches which bring together members for meetings at a regional level. ADA organises exhibitions and meetings for the benefit of members, maintains a website at www.ada.org.uk and publishes the quarterly ADA Gazette.

ADA is a limited company with offices based at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. ADA welcomes enquiries from the press and can be contacted during normal weekday office hours on 02476 992889 or by e-mail at admin@ada.org.uk.

For press enquiries please contact:
Eur Ing J Innes Thomson BSc CEng FICE
Chief Executive
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
e-mail: innes.thomson@ada.org.uk
Website: www.ada.org.uk

Ian Moodie MSci
Technical Manager
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
Office Tel: 02476 992 889
Email: ian.moodie@ada.org.uk

Ryan Dixon
Publications & Communications Officer
Association of Drainage Authorities
Rural Innovation Centre, Avenue H, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG
Office Tel: 02476 992 889
Email: ryan.dixon@ada.org.uk

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