HTA response to Water White Paper

20 January 2026

Responding to today’s announcement of the Government’s Water White Paper:

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“The Horticultural Trades Association welcomes today’s announcement of a move towards a more robust and accountable water regulatory system, and the recognition that long-term resilience has been lacking. Environmental horticulture relies on secure water supplies, yet our sector uses just 0.2% of total UK water consumption.

“We recognise that changing the structures relating to water needs to change; however, alongside this, we need to see urgency in action on support for resilience today. Horticultural businesses need water, as do their customers. We know many are ready to invest further in water storage, recycling and efficiency, but face high capital costs, planning barriers and complex regulatory processes. A future-focused water policy must actively enable this investment, helping to reduce pressure on the public network and build resilience where it is needed most.

“We look forward to understanding the detail of the White Paper, in particular where it identifies the need for action on improving water supply planning and less siloed working, which needs to deliver for HTA members' businesses across the UK to enable them to grow and to thrive.”