Written - Launch of Consultation on the Strategic Policy Position Statement on Water in Wales

I am delighted to announce that the Strategic Policy Position Statement on Water is being published today for comment.
The timing of this Statement will help ensure that water services in Wales can respond to the economic, social and environmental changes that affect this important resource.

The Welsh Assembly Government provides the strategic direction for the water sector in Wales, but our role is framed within a complex set of regulatory and operational responsibilities. Many of these responsibilities apply in a similar way in Wales and in England, but, there are some areas where a more distinct approach is appropriate for Wales.

In the Statement, we set out our position on certain aspects of water policy that we have revised or developed to help respond to the pressures and challenges we face as we plan for the future in Wales.

The Statement has been developed to fit in with the Welsh Assembly Government's wider policy Framework, in particular our consultation on a new Sustainable Development Scheme for Wales, One Wales: One Planet, the Environment Strategy for Wales and its action plan and our emerging Climate Change Strategy.  

The Welsh Assembly Government's core principles in relation to water are:

• ensuring access to safe drinking water
• maintaining water and sewerage services at an affordable price
• compliance with statutory obligations that drive all round water quality

I would welcome all views on the priorities set out in the Strategic Policy Position Statement on Water by 25 February 2009.  The Welsh Assembly Government will also be having meetings with relevant stakeholders throughout Wales.

A copy of the Strategic Policy Position Statement on Water is attached for information.

The document is also available on the Welsh Assembly Government website and hard copies have been placed in the Library.