Gareth Beer

30 September 2026, Plenary

Questions to the Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability

Last week, I asked the First Minister about the fact that NRW and other agencies do not know the full mix of chemicals discharged legally into the rivers of Carmarthenshire. A report has said that NRW are flying blind. As I wasn't quite sure of the response…

30 September 2026, Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee

Ofwat’s role in the Welsh context - scene setting session

Thank you, Chair.

30 September 2026, Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee

Ofwat’s role in the Welsh context - scene setting session

And it just becomes a cost of doing business then, doesn't it?

30 September 2026, Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee

Ofwat’s role in the Welsh context - scene setting session

And the second question is on the £44 million fine. You say it's not paid by customers, but the customers finance the company, don't they? So, how is the £40 million fine actually not paid for by the customers when the customers provide all the finance?

30 September 2026, Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee

Ofwat’s role in the Welsh context - scene setting session

And it just becomes another layer of management.

30 September 2026, Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee

Ofwat’s role in the Welsh context - scene setting session

Thanks for coming down. Is Ofwat in danger—it might be a good thing or a bad thing—of actually running the management of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as a sort of mission creep, if you like? I've got another question as well.