Forward programme
Our Forward Programme 2025-26 sets out our activity for the next 12 months in support of our mission:
To drive water companies to improve performance and deliver maximum value for customers, communities and the environment.
We know the water sector is facing multiple challenges associated with population growth and climate change.
At the same time, we recognise that company performance must improve to meet customers’ expectations.
Through our 2024 price review, we have laid the foundations for substantial investment and service improvements across England and Wales from 2025 to 2030.
Our Forward Programme for 2025-2026 is shaped by this context.
Our vision is a secure and sustainable water sector that acts in the best interests of customers, communities and the environment.
For 2025-2026 three strategic priorities guide our work:
- Delivering for customers and the environment
- Enabling growth and addressing long-term challenges
- Holding water companies to account
The Forward Programme has been finalised following a consultation and our Turning the Tide conference which was attended by over 120 stakeholders. We would like to thank all stakeholders who contributed to our Forward Programme 2025-26 consultation and attended the Turning the Tide conference.
A key theme that we heard from stakeholders at the Turning the Tide conference was the needed for greater collaboration and innovation from Ofwat to encourage industry wide data-sharing, best practices and also clarify Ofwat’s role and remit, how we work with others and the impact of the decisions we make on customers, environments and communities.
Following feedback, we’ve made changes to reflect a stronger focus on integrating strategic planning frameworks into PR24, added clarity around environmental commitments and government targets, expanded our approach to smarter ways of working, and enhanced our focus on reducing regulatory burdens, incentivising emissions reductions, achieving net zero, and supporting innovation in the business market.
The insights shared have been instrumental in shaping our Forward Programme, helping to refine our approach and strengthen our strategic priorities.
As we move forward, we remain committed to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders.
Working together will be key to delivering the outcomes set out in the Forward Programme and tackling the challenges ahead.