The Water White Paper: A Clear Vision For Water Management

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Gabrielle Edwards, Deputy Director, Water Availability & Quality Programme, DEFRA
• Richard Aylard, External Affairs & Sustainability Director, Thames Water
• Carrie Hume, Head of Conservation Policy, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
• Tony Smith, Chief Executive, Consumer Council for Water
• Damian Crilly, Manager, Integrated Catchment Management, Environment Agency
• Nicci Russell, Policy Director, Waterwise
  

The Context & Issues:

The publication of the Water White Paper in December 2011 marks the Government’s attempt to create a clear framework to help manage our water resources. The Paper outlines plans for deregulation aimed at boosting economic growth, as well as reform of the water market to increase competition, open the market up to new entrants and reduce costs to the consumer. Does the White Paper go far enough to protect such a valuable resource and how will stakeholders deliver the key recommendations?

Engaging with the panel, key issues to be addressed at this Policy and Practice Briefing will include:

• Keeping the taps open: understanding why we need a White Paper
• Implementing the core recommendations and their impact on the water sector
• Competition and innovation in water markets: opportunities for the water industry
• Driving economic growth through reform and deregulation
• Managing our water resources to support the natural environment
• Creating security of supply and coping with drought
• Water infrastructure and planning: addressing water infrastructure in local plans
• The legislative framework: looking ahead to the draft Water Bill

Objectives and Outcomes:

In the morning ‘Current and Future Policy’ session, delegates will be briefed about and discuss the Water White Paper, including the future legislative framework, the impact of policy on the water sector and the potential impact on security of supply. Delegates will have the opportunity to examine the wider impact on the water industry, public sector, private sector and consumers.

The afternoon ‘Policy into Practice’ session will enable delegates to explore how leading organisations in the water sector will deliver the key requirements of the White Paper and how they can engage the wider public to reduce consumption and protect the local environment.

Who Should Attend?

Delegates will be drawn from DEFRA, Environment Agency, Local Authorities (including local authority strategic directors, environment boards, environmental officers, biodiversity officers, planning committees and planning officers) water companies, Wildlife Trusts, NGOs & charities, heavy industry and businesses, trade associations, green groups, conservationists, academia, and anyone who has an interest in the environment and water supply.

Morning refreshments will be served upon arrival with a networking lunch to follow. Please send notification of any special needs or dietary requirements upon booking. Participants will receive copies of all the presentations at the end of the day and a copy of the chair's summary within a week of the event.