An inquiry into the strategic planning and provision of water resources over the coming decade has been launched as the government pledges £2 billion to increase the supply of affordable housing.
The Westminster Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) inquiry will evaluate how water and housing policy is currently being implemented in England.
It will be co-chaired by Labour MP Angela Smith, the former shadow water minister, and Conservative Peer Baroness Anne McIntosh, former chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee.
The inquiry will set out an “ambitious strategic plan” for delivering water-efficient homes which are resilient to flooding, at volume.
An “expert panel of advisors” will guide the inquiry, including representatives from Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, Affinity Water, the Wildfowl & Wetland Trust and the British Board of Agrément.
In a joint statement Smith and McIntosh, said: “Housing has become a pressing issue – we haven’t built enough houses in this country for a long time. Whilst we need to build more homes, we also must manage water sustainably and efficiently on a catchment-scale. Water is a precious resource and we must use it wisely.
“That is why we are co-chairing this Westminster Sustainable Business Forum Inquiry into water and housing, to offer a strategic plan to government for building the flood-resilient and water-efficient communities of the future.”
Jean Spencer, strategic growth and resilience director for Anglian Water, added: “We’re really excited to be partnering with the WSBF, and to be announced as the headline sponsor of the water in growth inquiry. For us, this group, and the work that it will be leading, provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and engage with other businesses, politicians and stakeholder groups as we look to address the shared challenges we all face.”
“As we meet the challenges ahead, it is essential for us to champion, support and enable sustainable growth, whilst protecting the environment and maintaining affordability for our customers. To do this, we believe innovative growth solutions, like water-reuse and SuDS, will be essential, and if we can strike the right balance, we will be well on the road to achieving our ambition of Water Neutral Growth,” Spencer said.
Sajid Javid, secretary of state for communities and local government said between 275,000 and 300,000 homes a year are needed in England alone as the UK’s population is projected to reach more than 75 million by 2050. The current policy commitment from government is to build 1.5 million new homes by 2022.
WSBF is currently taking evidence as part of the inquiry. Written submissions must be made by 29 November 2017.