Photo by Jimmy Chang on Unsplash

Iain Coucher has been reappointed as Chair of Ofwat for a second term beginning 1 October 2026, as announced by Defra and Ofwat on 6 October. His reappointment is explicitly time-limited to the transition period preceding the establishment of a new integrated water regulator, and will run no later than 30 June 2029. Ofwat will remain fully operational and retain its existing legal powers throughout this period, collaborating closely with Defra and partner agencies to ensure continuity of regulation. The Government has confirmed that further detail on the structure of the new regulatory body will be set out in its forthcoming 10-year plan for Britain, which will also underpin a strengthened Water Bill.

For full details of the appointment, see Water Magazine and the official Government announcement.