Water (Special Measures) Bill completes passage through Parliament

The Water (Special Measures) Bill seeks to strengthen the power of water industry regulators and put failing water companies under special measures.

Consideration of amendments 

The bill was considered by the House of Lords between 4 September - 26 November 2024 before passing to the House of Commons. 

On Tuesday 11 February, members of the Lords considered changes (PDF) made to the bill by MPs in the Commons for a second time, in a process known as parliamentary 'ping pong'. 

Subjects under consideration included:

• financial transparency requirements
• rules about remuneration and governance.

Following the debate on the floor of the House, these final changes were agreed to without a vote.

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more about the issues the debate covers in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill it received Royal Assent on Monday 24 February.

The bill is now an Act of Parliament (law). 

What's happened so far?

Consideration of amendments day one: Wednesday 5 February

On Wednesday 5 February, members of the Lords considered changes (PDF) made to the bill by MPs in the Commons in a process known as parliamentary 'ping pong'. 

Subjects under consideration included: 

• pollution incident reduction plans
• special provisions for consumer charges
• remuneration and governance rules.

Lords divisions

There were two divisions (votes) on proposed changes to the bill regarding:

• reports on water companies' financial structures
• parliamentary approval of Ofwat rules.

Members voted in favour of both amendments so the changes were made.

Catch up

• Watch the Parliament TV recording.
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Third reading

Third reading, a chance for members to ‘tidy up' the bill, ensuring the text is effective, workable and without loopholes, took place on Tuesday 26 November.

Report stage

Report stage, an extra chance for members to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes, took place on Wednesday 20 November.

Committee stage

Committee stage, a chance to thoroughly examine individual parts (clauses) of the bill, took place from Monday 28 October to Monday 4 November.

Second reading

Second reading, a full debate on the key principles of the bill, took place on Wednesday 9 October.

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