UK regulator seeks scrutiny of British water executives' suitability

(Reuters) -Ofwat launched a consultation on Wednesday to introduce regulatory requirements for British water companies to test whether senior executives they appoint are suitable for their roles.

The water regulator proposed the rules under a new law, the Water (Special Measures) Act, which received Royal Assent earlier this year.

The consultation, which runs until October 23, forms part of broader government efforts to rebuild trust in the water sector following years of poor performance, environmental damage and political and public backlash.

"By ensuring that those at the top of water companies meet the highest standards, we are rebuilding public trust (and) strengthening accountability," Water Minister Emma Hardy said in a statement.

The proposed rules would require companies to assess whether those being appointed to senior positions, including chief executives, meet standards for honesty, integrity, knowledge, experience and financial soundness.

Ofwat did not elaborate how the fitness tests should be carried out under the proposed rule.

Utilities would also be required to provide regular updates to Ofwat on new senior appointments and submit annual summaries reassessing existing role holders' compliance to the rule.

Companies failing to meet the standards would face enforcement action from Ofwat. The regulator has already demonstrated its willingness to crack down on the sector after writing to six water companies in August requesting details on executive remuneration following bonus ban breaches.

The new law has given regulators enhanced powers to ban executive bonuses and take tougher action against underperforming companies, including the ability to bring criminal charges against water bosses who break the law.

(Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job and Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)