Annual report and accounts 2023-24
Chair’s foreword
This decade will be decisive in the global effort to halt the decline of nature and stem the impact of climate change. Launched in early summer of 2023, our corporate plan Nature and People Thriving Together clearly sets out our vision, mission, and well-being objectives to take us to that 2030 milestone. The crisis in nature and climate are inextricably inter-twined; tackling them together we can collectively find solutions that deliver for both. Across Wales, public, private and third sector organisations are operating in one of the most difficult economic contexts in living memory. We need to come together to harness our collective power and work collaboratively across disciplines and sectors to build innovative approaches making the best use of our scarce resources.
My personal focus over the last year has been on water quality and I can see the range of benefits of a more collaborative way of working. Thanks to additional funding from Welsh Government, we have been working closely with officials, Ofwat and the water companies ahead of the crucial decisions on water company investment to 2030. This Periodic Price Review 24 will determine the pace and scale of improvement by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy in improving their assets to minimise pollution and maintain security of water supply.
In March, I hosted the fourth river pollution summit on behalf of the First Minister Mark Drakeford and Minister for Climate Change at the time, Julie James. With good progress made on the review of permits for larger wastewater treatment work, the summit focussed on broader work to improve water quality, including the Teifi Demonstrator Catchment Project, the Four Rivers for LIFE work and the practical work undertaken by Afonydd Cymru and others.
This year has seen an influx of new faces on our board as we welcomed five new members. Seeing change on this scale at board level is usually quite challenging, but our new intake has taken this in their stride and are making great progress. I would also like to express my thanks to our outgoing Board Member, Professor Peter Rigby, who came to the end of his second term with us this year. His unique contributions have been valued and I am most appreciative of the support he has given us over the years.
Finally, I want to extend my appreciation for all of our employees for their dedication and commitment during such difficult times. I commend them for their continuing commitment and passion in ensuring that we deliver our ambitions whilst living our values.
Sir David Henshaw, Chair - 16 October 2024
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Performance report
Accountability report
Financial statements and notes to the accounts
Financial statements and notes to the accounts for 2023/24 (PDF)