The Changing Landscape of Water Resources Planning in England

• DOI: 10.1007/s11269-024-04072-8
• Publication Date: 2025-01-16T15:45:21Z
• Authors: Ali Leonard; Jaime Amezaga; Richard Blackwell; Elizabeth Lewis; Chris Kilsby

Abstract Water resources planning in England has undergone a significant transformation from fragmented, piecemeal approach to more strategic, multi-scale framework. This shift is response the pressing need for increased resilience face of climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures. Recognising limitations existing frameworks established during privatisation, new national, regional, company, sub-regional have emerged address gaps enhance strategic efforts. Understanding critical pathway dependencies, opportunities, constraints allows reforms be designed implemented with better chance success. Several key features characterise water England. Firstly, systems are inherently complex requiring tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Secondly, operates within neoliberal framework emphasising economic efficiency. Thirdly, subjective concepts like risk, uncertainty, value managed through technical quantitative methods which can pose challenges transparency. Fourthly, while legislation often silos, there growing demand integrated approaches. Funding regulatory powers play crucial roles planning. Access capital influenced by institutional environment broader political factors, government regulators ultimately holding power over Companies, driven profit motive, responsible detailed delivery, regulated standards reputational incentives. Public participation framed as consumer engagement. Aligning incentives public good financial rewards ensuring effective regulation vital framework’s