The government has realised a new white paper which sets out its plans to reform the water sector and the wider water system.

In response, Jennifer Pheasey at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) says she and the HTA “welcomes today’s announcement of a move towards a more robust and accountable water regulatory system, and the recognition that long-term resilience has been lacking.”

When environmental horticulture relies on secure water supplies, it only uses 0.2% of the UK’s total water consumption.

So, whilst the director of policy and public affairs at the HTA recognises the structures relating to water needs to change, she adds “we need to see urgency in action on support for resilience today. Horticultural businesses need water, as do their customers.”

As the HTA continue to study the white paper, it hopes it identifies the need for action on improving water supply planning and less siloed working.