In the first of a series of Expert Focus articles for WaterBriefing, Yännick van den Nieuwendijk, Managing Director Nordics, UK & Ireland, Amiblu explores some of the key steps and ways of working Ofwat should consider for the upcoming AMP8 investment programme.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has today confirmed that the government has agreed water companies’ water resources management plans, including Cambridge Water’s, unlocking a now-confirmed £7.9 billion investment in water resources in the next 5 years to provide a foundation for growth and improving water infrastructure.

Leading voices from areas including the environment, public health and investment have been announced as the new advisory group to the independent water commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe.

Measures to unblock much-needed infrastructure projects whilst supporting nature recovery at scale will be included in proposals for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill this year, the Government has announced as part its Plan for Change.

The Met Office Hadley Centre Climate Programme (HCCP) returned £33 for every £1 invested, according to a recent value-for-money analysis into the economic benefits of the 2018 to 2021 phase of the programme.

The STRABAG-Equitix consortium has been named as the preferred bidder by United Utilities to design, build, finance and maintain the replacement of six tunnel sections of the Haweswater Aqueduct, part of its Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP).

Northern Ireland bus and train services provider Translink has gone out to tender with a contract for drainage and interceptor maintenance services worth an estimated £10 million.

The Environment Agency (EA) is seeking supply chain interest in an upcoming Beach Management Framework contract to be tendered in May 2025 with a potential estimated total value of up to £925 million.

Thames Water has completed two major infrastructure projects in Swindon, with the £78 million investment future-proofing its waste and water network for residents.

Ofwat has released a third party report produced as a guide to the coordinated delivery of utility infrastructure – the document was published on the regulator’s website on 24^th December.