UK considers giving mayors powers to oversee water companies

The UK government is weighing plans that would give mayors and other local leaders powers to oversee water companies' spending and hold bosses to account.

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government is considering creating nine new regional bodies to set objectives and hold water companies accountable over bills and sewage discharges.
• The proposal follows Sir Jon Cunliffe's review of the water industry, which recommended giving local voices, customers, and experts stronger authority over company boards' investment decisions.
• A government spokesperson said the industry "has not been working for people for far too long," vowing tougher regulation, enforcement, and greater accountability.
• Household complaints to the water industry watchdog rose by a record amount year on year, the Consumer Council for Water said.