2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:32 pm on 21 June 2022.

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Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 2:32, 21 June 2022

I'd like to ask for a debate in Government time, please, on the strategic priorities and objectives statement to Ofwat. I understand it will be laid in front of the Senedd next week, but, in the past, there hasn't been a debate on the process, but recently, in Westminster, there was a debate. I'd like to make sure that MSs have the same opportunity to discuss and challenge the process, because it helps to determine how our water systems are regulated, how the environment will be protected, how vulnerable customers will be protected or otherwise in their water bills, if they need it. It's really serious stuff, I'm sure you'll agree, and it shouldn't just be nodded through. We've had debates recently on flooding, on storm overflow systems, and the impact of sewage in our rivers. We know that major investment work is needed to protect that and to protect against climate change, and this is really a matter of public safety and there needs to be investment now. 

So, could we have a debate on this, please, because I fear that making a decision on an England-and-Wales basis won't work and it won't make sense, because Dŵr Cymru isn't a company that just sends profits to shareholders; they reinvest, they support vulnerable customers? The SPS is the only opportunity we have to make sure that the process and the final decision make sense for Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.