What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of its Strategic Priorities and Objectives Statement to Ofwat on a) the delivery of new homes in Wales, and b) the promotion of economic growth in Wales?
Our SPS sets out the high standards to which we expect our water companies to water companies to perform, including in terms of environmental improvement which will help unlock planning and housing delivery. Our water companies are major employers that are vital for our local economy as they are key providers of skills training and employment, they also have the resources and expertise to play a leading role in working collaboratively with local authorities, landowners, businesses and communities to protect our health and environment.
An Economic Impact Assessment, published earlier this year by Cardiff University concluded that Dŵr Cymru, Wales’ largest water company contributes more than £1 billion to the Welsh economy each year and supports more than 9,100 jobs across Wales, 50% more employees, directly and indirectly compared to a decade ago. Its Gross Value Added contribution (GVA - a measure of the true ‘worth’ of economic activity to Wales) has also increased more than 20% since 2013.