Event: British Water – Annual House of Lords Reception 2023

Date: April 2023

Location: House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London

Type of CPD: Policy engagement / sector leadership / strategic networking

Duration: Evening reception (1–2 hours)

Summary of the Event

I attended the British Water House of Lords Reception 2023, an annual parliamentary gathering that brings together peers, MPs, water company executives, regulators, technology innovators and environmental leaders. The event provides a platform for high‑level discussion on the strategic challenges facing the UK water sector, including environmental performance, investment, innovation, digital transformation and public trust.

The reception offered an opportunity to hear perspectives from political leaders and industry representatives on the future direction of water policy, regulatory expectations and the sector’s role in delivering national environmental and climate commitments. It also served as a forum to strengthen relationships across the supply chain and highlight the importance of innovation in addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges.

Key Themes Covered

• Environmental performance and river health Parliamentary scrutiny of storm overflows, pollution reduction and water quality improvement.
• PR24 and regulatory expectations Outcomes, transparency, customer value and long‑term resilience.
• Innovation and digital transformation The role of real‑time monitoring, data analytics and advanced sensing technologies.
• Investment and affordability Balancing infrastructure needs with customer expectations and regulatory frameworks.
• Public trust and accountability The importance of transparency, communication and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Collaboration across the sector Strengthening partnerships between utilities, innovators, regulators and policymakers.