Annual Performance Report 2020-21

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Annual Performance Report 2020-21 Annual Performance Report 2020-21 wessexwater.co.uk Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2 Risk and compliance statement .............................................................................................. 5 Regulatory accounts introduction ............................................................................................. 8 Accounting disclosures .............................................................................................................. 9 Transactions with associates and the non-appointed business ........................................... 17 Section 1: Regulatory financial reporting ................................................................................ 19 Section 2: Price review and other segmental reporting ......................................................... 28 Section 3: Performance summary ............................................................................................ 46 Section 4: Additional regulatory information – service level ................................................. 73 Section 5: Additional regulatory information – water resources ........................................... 92 Section 6: Additional regulatory information – water network plus ...................................... 94 Section 7: Additional regulatory information – waste water network plus ........................... 99 Section 8: Additional regulatory information – bio-resources ....................................... 104 Section 9: Additional regulatory information – innovation competition ....................... 109 Assurance reports ................................................................................................................... 110 Wessex Water Services Ltd 1 Introduction Introduction Wessex Water’s Board is accountable for the accuracy and completeness of the information we report and publish. This annual performance report provides information on progress in delivery of customer outcomes, service levels, cost information and financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2021. We have prepared the report in accordance with Ofwat’s requirements (principally from RAG3.12), including the required accounting and narrative disclosures. The table on pages 3 and 4 sets out the requirements and where they may be found in this and other published reports. Board statement on accuracy and completeness of information The Board confirms it is satisfied that the data and information which the company has provided to Ofwat in the reporting year and/or which the company has published in its role as a water and sewerage undertaker was accurate and complete. Francis Yeoh Colin Skellett Jim McKenna Kate Mingay Chairman Chief Senior Chair of Audit Executive Independent and Risk Director Committee 7 July 2021 Information assurance activities To allow itself to make this statement, the Board carries out a wide range of activities. We have a well- established assurance framework, which is led by our Board. Being honest and ethical in the way we conduct our business is one of our core values. The following groups and processes are in place as part of our approach to information assurance: Wessex Water Services Limited (WWSL) Board It is the responsibility of the Board to ensure the company meets its regulatory and legal obligations. Board ownership is key to providing a strong assurance process. The WWSL Board has overall responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the data and information which we provide or publish in our role as a water company. Audit and Risk Committee The Audit and Risk Committee assists the Board in monitoring the company’s obligations in relation to financial reporting, internal control and audit, and compliance and risk management systems. Part of the Committee's role is to review the company's financial statements and Annual review, including the Annual performance report. The company carries out an exercise with stakeholders to target any issues that need to be addressed and publishes a statement outlining its risks, strengths, and weaknesses. These target areas are each assigned a plan to manage and mitigate the data and information risks associated with them. At each stage of the process, an independent non-executive director reviews and challenges the approach in a 1:1 session with company managers. Following this review, the Audit and Risk Committee assesses the appraisals and the plans, challenges on the assurance approaches and gives its approval for each. The Committee also assesses the governance processes that sit behind these statements, including the business risk assurance map and the regulatory assurance manual. The Committee gets further assurance from independent financial and technical auditors. The Board then approves the statements and assurance plans. Full details can be found in the relevant documents on the company’s website. This process, alongside the other assurance activities as required in RAG3.12, satisfies the Board that the company has appropriately identified and addressed risks to the provision of accurate and complete data and information in particular areas. Wessex Water Services Ltd 2 Introduction Ofwat requirements Requirement Location General In-period adjustment model Separate submission to Ofwat Ring-fencing certificate Page 11 and published on our website here Long-term viability statement Annual Report and Accounts Board Statement of Company Direction and Annual Report and Accounts Performance Risk and compliance statement Page 5 Accounting methodology statement Published on our website as part of the APR Bioresources market monitoring information Published on our website as part of the APR Greenhouse gas emissions Page 61 Accounting disclosures A statement on executive pay and performance Annual Report and Accounts A statement as to disclosure of information to Page 9 auditors A statement on dividend policy for the appointed Page 9 business An accounting policy note for price control units Page 9 A note on revenue recognition Page 10 A note on capitalisation policy Page 10 A note on bad debt policy Page 11 A statement on sufficiency of non-financial resources Page 11 A statement on sufficiency of financial resources and Page 11 facilities The tax strategy for the appointed business Page 13 A statement on differences between statutory and Page 14 RAG definitions A long-term viability statement Annual Report and Accounts Wessex Water Services Ltd 3 Introduction Requirement Location A statement explaining out/under performance of the With financial flows narrative return on regulatory equity (Financial Flows and disclosure RORE) A statement explaining the variance on infrastructure Page 16 network reinforcement charges; and A statement on innovation competition. Page 16 Transactions to be disclosed Page 17 Narrative disclosures on performance Outcomes Page 47 Totex Page 73 Retail Page 28 Wholesale revenues Page 28 Current tax analysis Page 19 Current tax reconciliation Page 19 Interest Page 20 Financial flows Page 20 Narrative on costs Pages 76, 94, 99 and 104 Supply-demand balance and metering Pages 76 and 94 Analysis of debt Page 20 Common performance measures Page 58 Board statement on accuracy and completeness of Page 2 data and information Return on regulatory equity Page 76 Financial derivatives Page 20 Social tariffs Page 30 Wessex Water Services Ltd 4 Risk and compliance statement Risk and compliance statement Introduction The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) requires the Board to provide an annual Risk and Compliance Statement (the Compliance Statement). The Compliance Statement confirms that the Company has complied with all its relevant statutory, operating licence and regulatory obligations; that it has processes and systems of internal control in place; that it is taking appropriate steps to manage its risks; and that it demonstrates clear leadership, transparency and good governance. The Company is required to report by exception any instances where a regulatory output has not been met and to detail decisions and actions that demonstrate our governance processes. Our Annual Review including our annual performance report details progress on performance commitments, outputs and financial information. This information is for our customers, investors and regulators. Our Annual Review is supported by fact but occasional reliance is placed on estimates. These estimates have been made in good faith, based on reasonable assumptions and are clearly stated as an estimate. Compliance statement The Board confirms that it has appropriate and effective assurance process in place and: • the Board has a full understanding of and is meeting, in all material respects, its statutory, licence and regulatory obligations • the Company has met, in all material respects, relevant regulator and customer expectations as demonstrated by those outputs and service standards set out in its business plan and funded through the Final Determination • the Board is satisfied that the Company has sufficient processes and internal systems of control to fully meet its obligations, or has disclosed any modification or failure to meet such obligations • the Company has appropriate systems and processes in place to allow the Board to identify, manage and review risks. Principal risks and the appropriate management of them are set out in the Strategic Report and in the relevant section of the annual
Recommended publications
  • Copyrighted Material
    5 1 Water, Policy and Procedure There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse; as I have found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it often a comfort to shift one’s position and be bruised in a new place. Tales of a Traveller, Washington Irving (1824) 1.1 ­Pressing Needs for Conservation and Protection? Among the nations, the three constituent countries of Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) were early to industrialise and have been that way for around two and a half centuries. While this observation sets the scene for an account of the water resources of Britain, the last 30 or more years have seen dramatic changes away from the heavy indus­ trial sector. Yet problems persist, particularly where ‘technical fixes’ have not ­provided solutions. Once it was assumed that regulatory measures, and especially ‘end of pipe’ pollution problems are solved (in theory) through consenting and licencing, yet diffuse pollution of waters persists from a range of contaminants and from a range of industrial and other activities. These result largely from the ways by which we conduct our econ­ omy and new solutions are sought. Not only is Britain definitively to manage its water resources on a catchment (or river basin) basis, but new political imperatives are ­emerging that require water management in part to become an extension of ‘civil ­society;’ this eclipses older ideas about ‘technocratic management’. This chapter outlines the present issues for sustainability and sustainable develop­ ment in water resources, and it also scopes out the challenges.
    [Show full text]
  • Accommodating Growth and New Development: Response to IAP
    Appendix 10 – Accommodating growth and new development: Response to IAP Wessex Water March 2019 Appendix 10 – Accommodating growth and new development: Wessex Water Response to IAP Summary This appendix provides additional evidence in relation to Ofwat’s cost assessment for wastewater network+ growth for the following drivers: • Growth at sewage treatment works • New development • First time sewerage. The table below summarises the additional evidence provided, our response to the cost assessment in the initial assessment of plans (IAP) received in January 2019, and the actions that we suggest Ofwat take prior to the draft determination. Ofwat model / Driver Value Our response Suggested actions challenged for Ofwat £m Table WWn8 Line 7 (also in Table Additional evidence Review the drivers for WWS2 Line 26) regarding the validity of our the implicit allowance • Cost adjustment claim for cost adjustment claim and growth model and STW capacity why this has not been reassess the cost 19.2 programme. Capex accounted for within the adjustment claim for baseline model for growth, STW growth based on i.e. the model does not the further evidence. reflect our unique position. Table WWS2 Line 73 Refer to our main document, Our Response to • Growth at sewage Ofwat’s Initial Assessment of Plans – section 3.3.3 treatment works 1.4 (excluding sludge treatment). Opex Table WWS2 Lines 25 We have provided Use our bottom up • New development and additional evidence of our approach and allow growth (Wastewater 12.8 bottom up approach to capex costs submitted network supply demand assessing the need for balance). Capex investment. Table WWS2 Line 72 Refer to our main document, Our Response to • New development and 3.6 Ofwat’s Initial Assessment of Plans – section 3.3.3 growth.
    [Show full text]
  • Our Response to Ofwat's Initial Assessment of Plans
    Our response to Ofwat’s initial assessment of plans April 2019 wessexwater.co.uk Our Response to Ofwat’s Initial Assessment of Plans Wessex Water Executive summary This document sets out the updates we have made to our Business Plan for 2020-2025 following: • Ofwat’s initial assessment of plans which it published in January 2019 • our continued engagement with our customers • engagement with the Wessex Water Partnership (who act as our regulatory Customer Challenge Group) • updated information from environmental regulators about the required outcomes. We understand the need to continue to show great value in the round as well as excellent services to our customers. Our board remains committed to: • putting customers and communities at the heart of what we do • embracing change and innovation through our open systems model • environmental leadership • investing in our people and skills • sharing our success with the wider community. Updates to our plan mean that in 2020 average bills to customers will now reduce by 10% in real terms. By 2025 bills will remain 6% less than today in real terms despite having completed our largest ever set of environmental and service improvements. As a result our customers and the environment will continue to get the best service levels of any water company in the UK. Since September 2018 we have reduced the forecast expenditure in our plan by £43m. The reductions are to take account of new information about our obligations including, at Ofwat’s suggestion, where the performance target level that the industry is required to meet is less ambitious than we had originally proposed.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Charges Explained 2019-20 Contents Introduction
    Your charges explained 2019-20 Contents Introduction Each year we set our charges according to price limits that are determined by Introduction 1 Ofwat every five years. Prices were set for the period between 2015-2020 following reviews that started in 2014. Charges 2019-20 2 This leaflet explains more about Ofwat’s price limits, how you are charged and How you are charged 3 where the money goes. Metered customers 4 Charges for Bristol Water and Wessex Water are collected by Bristol Wessex Billing Services Limited (BWBSL). Unmetered customers 6 Charges applicable from 1 April are published on company websites early in Where your money goes 8 February. Visit bristolwater.co.uk or wessexwater.co.uk or call 0345 600 3 600 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, 8am to 2pm). Common questions 10 Further information about charges is also available from our regulator Do you qualify for the surface www.ofwat.gov.uk water rebate 12 1 Charges 2019-20 How you are charged Our charges from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 are shown below. Charges for water and sewerage The difference between Metered charges Bristol Water Wessex Water services are either based on how metered and unmetered Water supply much water you use (metered charge) charges or the rateable value (RV) of your Standing charge per annum £41.00 - property (unmetered charge). We make sure that the difference Since 1991, meters have been between metered and unmetered bills Charge per cubic metre £1.3328 - installed in all newly built properties, reflects the difference in the cost of and Bristol Water’s aim is that all providing these services.
    [Show full text]
  • Recreation 2020-21
    Conservation access and recreation 2020-21 wessexwater.co.uk Contents About Wessex Water 1 Our commitment 2 Our duties 2 Our land 3 Delivering our duties 3 Conservation land management 4 A catchment-based approach 10 Engineering and sustainable delivery 12 Eel improvements 13 Invasive non-native species 14 Access and recreation 15 Fishing 17 Partners Programme 18 Water Force 21 Photo: Henley Spiers Henley Photo: Beaver dam – see 'Nature’s engineers' page 7 About Wessex Water Wessex Water is one of 10 regional water and sewerage companies in England and About 80% of the water we supply comes from groundwater sources in Wiltshire Wales. We provide sewerage services to an area of the south west of England that and Dorset. The remaining 20% comes from surface water reservoirs which are includes Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, most of Wiltshire, and parts of Gloucestershire, filled by rainfall and runoff from the catchment. We work in partnership with Hampshire and Devon. Within our region, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and organisations and individuals across our region to protect and restore the water Cholderton and District Water Company also supply customers with water. environment as a part of the catchment based approach (CaBA). We work with all the catchment partnerships in the region and host two catchment partnerships, Bristol What area does Wessex Water cover? Avon and Poole Harbour, and co-host the Stour catchment initiative with the Dorset Wildlife Trust. our region our catchments Stroud 8 Cotswold South Gloucestershire Bristol Wessex
    [Show full text]
  • Wessex Water – Adjusting for Actual Performance in 2019-20: Blind Year Adjustment, Final Decisions Blind Year Adjustments, Final Decision, Wessex Water
    November 2020 Wessex Water – Adjusting for actual performance in 2019-20: Blind year adjustment, final decisions Blind year adjustments, Final decision, Wessex Water Wessex Water - Adjusting for actual performance in 2019-20: Blind year adjustment, final decisions 1 Blind year adjustments, Final decision, Wessex Water Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................. 3 1.2 The PR19 blind year draft proposals .......................................................................... 3 1.3 Summary of Wessex Water response ........................................................................ 4 1.4 Section 13 Consultation notice ................................................................................. 5 2. Final decision on PR19 blind year adjustment .................................................................. 6 2.1 Our final decisions on PR19 blind year interventions ................................................. 6 2.2 Implementing the PR19 blind year adjustments ........................................................ 6 2.3 Change in price controls ........................................................................................ 10 2.4 Profiling of PR19 blind year adjustments .................................................................. 11 A1 Appendix 1 Reconciliation of PR14 incentives for 2015-20
    [Show full text]
  • Copyright © Pinsent Masons LLP 2008
    I Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2008-2009 Copyright © Pinsent Masons LLP 2008 Published by Pinsent Masons LLP Pinsent Masons LLP 30 Aylesbury Street London EC1R 0ER Telephone: 020 7490 4000 Facsimile: 020 7490 2545 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pinsentmasons.com ISBN (10) 0 9551747 4 0 ISBN (13) 978 0 9551747 42 Previous editions: Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2007 – 2008 ISBN 0-9551747-3-2 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2006 – 2007 ISBN 0-9551747-1-6 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2005 – 2006 ISBN 0-9537076-9-5 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2004 – 2005 ISBN 0-9537076-7-9 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2003 – 2004 ISBN 0 9537076-5-2 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2002 – 2003 ISBN 0 9537076 4 4 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2001 – 2002 ISBN 0 9537076 2 8 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2000 – 2001 ISBN 0 9537076 1 X Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 1999 – 2000 ISBN 0 9537076 0 1 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Whilst every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information given in this book, readers should always make their own checks. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for misstatements made in it or for misunderstandings arising from it. The main text of this work reflects the information obtained by the author as at October 2008. II Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2008-2009 PINSENT MASONS WATER YEARBOOK 2008-2009 PREFACE Human foibles and their impact on every sphere of human endeavour condemn history to repeating itself and in few fields more persistently than the industrial sector, with its water component a contender perhaps for the wooden spoon.
    [Show full text]
  • Water, Water Everywhere?
    Water, water everywhere? Delivering resilient water & waste water services (2018-19) Overview Key Highlights The amount of time that consumers were extent to which metering is encouraging In this report we present water and/ left without water reduced by 39.9% in consumers to reduce their water use. or sewerage companies’ (referred to as 2018-19. Although this appears to be a companies) performance in 2018-19 in significant reduction, the starting point It is good to see a reduction in sewer the key service areas that can have a big was much higher due to the widespread flooding, both inside and outside impact on consumers. The report identifies supply interruptions experienced during the home. However, any flooding is poor performing companies, as well as the ‘Beast from the East’ and Storm Emma unacceptable to customers and so good practice that can be shared across in early 2018. Looking back prior to this companies still have more to do in the industry. The data contained within incident, supply interruptions have in this area. We were disappointed to this report has been supplied directly to us fact increased by 21.8% since 2016-17. see the disbanding of the 21st Century by companies, unless otherwise stated. All We, therefore, question what has been Drainage Board and hope that the company specific data is included in the learnt from this incident and emphasise work started on sewer misuse can appendices of this report for reference. the importance for companies to learn continue through different channels. from these experiences. Companies must recognise the need to plan for extremes For water quality in England, the figure in our weather or one-off events, which for public water supply compliance are becoming more common due to with the EU Drinking Water Directive climate change.
    [Show full text]
  • Southern Water Services Ltd Special Agreement Information
    2014-15 Special Agreement Register: Southern Water Services Ltd 2014-15 Special Agreement Register: Southern Water Services Ltd Special Agreement Information Potable Water There are no special agreements for potable water supplies. Non-potable Water SRNNONPOT1 Initially agreed in 1963 but has been renewed on several occasions, the latest in April 2013 for a period of 3 years. The agreement is for the supply of non-potable water up to a maximum of 10Ml/day. The tariff comprises a reservation charge, a volumetric charge and a standing charge. SRNNONPOT2 This is a long-standing agreement for the supply of raw water from a surface reservoir. The start date and the reason for the agreement are unknown. With effect from January 2011, the volumetric charge was aligned to the volumetric charge for supplies to South East Water from Darwell. The charge is indexed to November RPI. Sewerage There are no special agreements for sewerage services. Trade Effluent There are no special agreements for trade effluent services. Page 1of 3 2014-15 Special Agreement Register: Southern Water Services Ltd Bulk Supply Information Exports of Water SRNBWE1 This supply is to South East Water. It was agreed prior to privatisation (1960’s) and is to run for an unlimited period. The charge levied is proportional to running costs. SRNBWE2 This supply is to South East Water. It was agreed prior to privatisation and is to run for an unlimited period. Main supply is charged at Southern Water’s standard volumetric rate; other supplies charged at historic special agreement rates. SRNBWE3 This supply is to Wessex Water for an unlimited period.
    [Show full text]
  • Wessex Water's Magazine
    Wessex Water’s magazine Winter ’20 The learning never stops Our education advisers explain what we have to offer – pages 26 to 27 Winter tips for your home How to protect your home and garden – pages 6 to 7 The hard facts of water What causes limescale – pages 12 to 13 In your area What’s been happening in your community – pages 14 to 21 Welcome njoying countryside walks and exploring between homeowners and Wessex Water. That’s What's going on In nature is a popular pastime for many and why we’ve included a sewer ownership article in lots of us have taken to this during the this edition to help explain things. E coronavirus pandemic to see what our local areas have to offer. There’s no doubt that it’s a challenging time for many people and we realise that some may find it This autumn, walks through woodlands are set to incredibly hard to afford their water bill. If you, or your community? be even more vibrant, with the National Trust someone you know is struggling, it’s worth Marilyn Smith, Group suggesting good sunny spells in the spring and finding out more about the help we can provide – Director of Communication summer followed by bursts of rain in September there are details on pages 8 to 9 and on the & Community will result in leaves of wonderful colours. back cover. Keep up to date with our FREE email newsletter As the seasons change, it’s that time of year when With many community projects also struggling to we need to prepare our homes so we’re not raise funds they desperately need, we’re caught out during the wintry months.
    [Show full text]
  • South West Water Bournemouth Water Trading and Procurement Code
    southwestwater.co.uk bournemouthwater.co.uk South West Water Bournemouth Water Trading and Procurement Code Draft for Consultation July 2018 Contents_Toc518917010 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose of the Code ............................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Use of the Code ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Contact Details ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 Our position on water trading ........................................................................................................ 2 2.1 South West Water ................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Our Regulators and Watchdogs .............................................................................................. 2 2.3 Water Resources ..................................................................................................................... 3 2.4 Water Trading ......................................................................................................................... 5 3 Principles of the code .....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • DAP REVIEW (OFWAT Report)
    WaPUG Spring Conference 2012 Paper 1 Elisa Zamora Atkins Principal Consultant [email protected] DAP REVIEW (OFWAT Report) Introduction and background Sewerage planning is largely targeted at resolving and avoiding the adverse consequences of failure of the sewerage system in terms of flooding and pollution. Water and sewerage companies have adapted their approaches to these tasks over time. Variation in responses by companies as part of historic regulatory reporting led Ofwat to seek a more detailed understanding of company practices. Additionally, Ofwat wanted to understand how sewerage planning tools are used by companies, both in planning for the long term and on a business as usual basis. We carried out a high-level review of company practices in August 2011 based on structured interviews with all ten water and sewerage companies in England and Wales. We would like to thank Anglian Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent Water, Southern Water, South West Water, Thames Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water and Yorkshire Water for their participation. We would also like to thank the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency (EA) for contributing their views on current and future practices to support a sustainable drainage industry. Objectives Our objectives included: understanding processes, systems and tools companies have to support robust long term sustainable planning. clearly articulating the approaches and common themes across the industry to a wide range of stakeholders, highlighting good practice. indentifying improvements that could be made to incentivise: Proactive management of the sewerage system to prevent failure occurring Robust decision making to ensure that developments are located in the most sustainable way The greater understanding of drainage systems required if companies are to implement demand reduction rather than increasing capacity.
    [Show full text]