Ofwat to be abolished as ministers look to create new water regulator

Watchdog has faced intense criticism over sewage spills, shareholder payouts and ballooning debts

• Serious pollution incidents by English water firms rose 60% last year

England and Wales' embattled water regulator will be abolished under recommendations from a government-commissioned review due out on Monday, the Guardian understands.

Ministers will announce next week a consultation into creating a new regulator, to coincide with the results of a review into the water industry directed by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe.