Andy Burnham is reportedly weighing up stringent new water usage restrictions – despite 'intense' rainfall being forecast across parts of the country.
Experts have cautioned that the precipitation predicted this week may prove insufficient to counteract a heatwave that has left reservoir levels perilously low. Additionally, concerns remain that elevated temperatures could return later in the year.
Currently, 27 million people in England are residing in areas subject to hosepipe bans. However, the proposed measures could extend to prohibiting car washes, private swimming pools – including those at gyms and hotels – and even window cleaning.
Contingency plans for 'reasonable worst case scenario'
Whitehall officials incorporated the measures into contingency plans for a 'reasonable worst case scenario', The Times reports. Water companies bear responsibility for enforcing the measures, which may also encompass a prohibition on watering football pitches and other sports facilities.
There are 31 reservoirs across England and Wales, with 12 of them experiencing depleted water levels. Elevated temperatures have additionally compromised infrastructure and exacerbated leaks, reports the Express.
The Prime Minister met with meteorological experts at the Met Office last week. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency have established weekly meetings of the National Drought Group, an organisation which also comprises the Met Office, water companies and environmental experts.
Government response and infrastructure plans
A Government spokesperson told the Times: "As any responsible government would, we are preparing for a range of scenarios and working with the National Drought Group to help maintain water supplies. We expect water companies to follow their established drought management plans and go further and faster to reduce leaks."
They added: "We are clear that the water sector is not working for bill payers. That is why we are driving long-term change, including requiring companies to deliver record investment in infrastructure and changing the planning system to enable the construction of nine new reservoirs."
Large parts of England and all of Wales are in a drought.
Potential impact on food prices and inflation
The scorching weather could also result in increased food costs. Numerous experts are predicting that Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation will climb to 2.9% in July, rising from a 15-month low of 2.6% in June and representing the highest rate since March.
The continuing conflict in the Middle East is driving up energy expenses, while concerns are also mounting over food inflation, with producers cautioning earlier this week that extreme temperatures and droughts throughout the UK and Europe are poised to push prices upwards.
The Food and Drink Federation stated "fruit, vegetable and grain supply" is being affected by recent heatwaves, with crop shortages expected to impact supermarket prices. Economists from the trade body indicated that this will place upward pressure on food inflation heading into 2027.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures for Retail Prices Index inflation in July will also be monitored carefully, as the July figure is utilised to determine next year's train fare rise.
Last November, then Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that rail fares across England would be frozen in 2026 – the first such freeze for 30 years – though it remains uncertain whether the Government intends to extend the measure for a second consecutive year.
