Ofwat has granted pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer Boots a Water Licence and Sewerage Licence (WSSL) with a retail authorisation limited to self-supply.

Sefton Council has applied to Ofwat for water and sewerage self-supply licenses if the application is granted the local authority will be able to provide retail services to itself and associated persons.

Ofwat has announced changes to streamline and simplify the process for businesses and other organisations interested in becoming a self-supplier, including reducing the application fee from £5,250 to £3,000 and the timescale for Ofwat to process applications.

Martson’s PLC – which operates more than 1,600 pubs, bars and lodges - will supply its own water and wastewater services, making it the third company in England to be granted a self-supply licence by economic regulator Ofwat.

Brewer and pub operator Marston’s PLC, which has over 1,000 managed pubs and five breweries in England, has applied for a self-supply Water Supply and Sewerage Licence (WSSL).

Whitbread Group PLC has applied for a Water Supply Licence and Sewerage Licence with a self-supply authorisation and proposal by Ofwat to modify the standard licence conditions that will apply to Whitbread, if it is granted a self- supply licence.

Ofwat has flagged up the opportunity for commercial businesses to become their own water and sewerage services supplier when the retail market opens to competition from  April next year.