Burnham's own allies warn plan for regional 'boards' to monitor water firms could be 'worse than useless'... as he backs off nationalisation

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 10:13 EDT, 16 September 2026 | Updated: 10:16 EDT, 16 September 2026 Andy Burnham is facing a backlash over plans to create a series of regional 'boards' to oversee the water industry - as he seemingly retreats from nationalisation.The quango-style bodies including mayors and officials would be tasked with monitoring firms under proposals being considered by the Government.The PM has talked up his determination to take back control of water, complaining that privatisation was one of the 'wrong turns' under Thatcher.Last month he raged at companies for treating their customers 'as a blank cheque' after five suppliers were given the green light to increase bills. However, officials have raised concerns about the huge costs and legal challenges involved in restoring public ownership. Mr Burnham now appears to be looking at scaled back options, including nine regional boards. As well as local political leaders, they could feature public health officials, customers and environmental officials. Andy Burnham is facing a backlash over plans to create a series of regional 'boards' to oversee the water industry - as he seemingly retreats from nationalisationThis idea was one of the recommendations of Sir John Cunliffe's Independent Water Commission published in June last year, but never taken up by Keir Starmer's Government.It could now reportedly be included in a '10-year plan' speech being touted by Mr Burnham. Aides said the contents of the plan were 'speculation' at this stage as it is 'way off'. However, even Mr Burnham's own allies have voiced scepticism about the proposal. Labour MP Clive Lewis - who once offered to quit the Commons so Mr Burnham could contest his Norwich seat - warned regional boards would be 'worse than useless' unless they had the power to nationalise water firms. Mr Lewis posted on X that devolved powers were 'good' in theory but there was a 'large caution klaxon', adding: 'Given our own national govt can't even exercise effective control over privatised companies, what chance does local govt have?'The backbencher suggested regional authorities would need to be able to take action such as banning the payment of dividends and cutting prices. 'Will Burnham's regional bodies have the power to decide to end privatisation and take the service back into public ownership?' he added. 'If the answer to any or all of those is no, then it's a worse than useless gesture and should be rejected.' Tory shadow environment minister Robbie Moore said: 'Giving mayors more power over bosses' decisions sounds radical, but when everyone is responsible, no one is accountable, and bills will keep on rising.'More layers of bureaucracy will not mean better outcomes for customers, especially when it means more and more public servants being hired at the taxpayer's expense.'Mr Moore said the geographical boundaries of the boards would not match those of the water companies.'The Prime Minister must stop making promises on water that he cannot keep, particularly with the country facing drought this summer and flooding forecast for the winter ahead,' he added.Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron said: 'After a summer of hosepipe bans and sewage being dumped at the first sight of rain, Andy Burnham thinks the answer is more politicians on boards.'Water companies shouldn't be controlled by mayors, they should be owned by the people. No-one is asking for more politicians and everyone knows there are better solutions. Labour MP Clive Lewis - who once offered to quit the Commons so Mr Burnham could contest his Norwich seat - warned regional boards would be 'worse than useless' unless they had the power to nationalise water firms'This isn't a solution, it's a stitch-up for the very water companies who caused this mess.'Bills will keep going up, sewage will keep going in, and when these companies go under it'll be customers who bail them out.'The only real fix is taking water out of the hands of profiteers and putting it into mutual ownership, run by and for the people who actually use it. Everything else is window dressing.'