From April 2017 the government opened up the non-domestic water supply market to enable businesses, charities and public sector bodies to be able to choose their supplier rather than rely on a supplier within their region

This report proposes to vary the Joint Agreement for West Mercia Energy (WME) held by the constituent authorities to enable WME to supply utilities, alongside the supply of energy.

This variation does not impact on the council’s Constitution.

That:

(a) the West Mercia Energy Joint Agreement be varied to include the provision to be able to broker and supply utilities; and

(b) the Director for Economy, Communities and Corporate be authorised, following consultation with the Solicitor to the Council, to finalise and execute the variation.

Do nothing – not to enter the water services market.

Research conducted by WME has indicated that not providing an offering for water is considered a business risk as some of WME’s key large customers will be looking in the future to procure a joint gas, electricity and water contract from one provider and not being in this market space could lead to loss of business.

As a consequence the recommendation is to take the necessary steps to develop a customer offering for all utilities.