Why Transparency Matters: The Need for a Democratic Approach to Water Summit Decision-Making

Reading Time: 3 minutes

At Waterwatch UK, we believe in accountability, transparency, and community-led solutions. Our Water Summits were created to bring together local voices, ensuring that those impacted by water pollution have a genuine say in shaping solutions. However, recent developments have raised concerns about how decisions affecting the future of these summits are being made.

A Working Group Without a Democratic Vote

It has come to our attention that our local MP’s are forming a working group to determine the future stewardship of the Water Summits. While this should be a step forward in strengthening community involvement, the process being proposed lacks one crucial element—democracy.

Rather than an open, community-led election or a structured nomination process that ensures fair representation, the MP’s have instead invited individuals to put themselves forward. This raises concerns about how members will be selected, whose voices will be prioritised, and whether the group will truly represent the broad and diverse range of perspectives within the community.

Who Decides Who Gets a Seat at the Table?

Without clear selection criteria or an independent voting mechanism, there is a real risk that the working group will not be fully representative. This could allow for decisions to be shaped by a select few, rather than through a truly democratic and transparent process that reflects the collective interests of the community.

If the Water Summits are to continue delivering real change, then their leadership and structure must be accountable to the people they serve. The voices of swimmers, paddle boarders, local businesses, environmental groups, and residents must not be overshadowed by a top-down approach.

A Call for Community-Led Governance

Waterwatch UK has long advocated for an independent, community-led model for Water Summits—one that ensures decisions are made fairly and transparently. If a working group is to be formed, it must be structured in a way that guarantees fair representation, rather than being appointed behind closed doors.

We urge decision-makers to embrace an open and democratic process—one that allows the community to vote on who represents them and ensures a balanced representation of stakeholders. Anything less risks undermining the very purpose of the Water Summits and diminishing trust in the process.

MPs Ignoring the Community’s Proposal

In November, Waterwatch UK shared a detailed proposal with MPs outlining a democratic, community-led model for the future of the Water Summits. This proposal was developed through consultation with local stakeholders, ensuring that governance would be fair, transparent, and truly representative.

Instead of working with the community to implement this plan, MPs have chosen to push their own agenda, forming a working group without a democratic vote. This move undermines the inclusive and accountable approach we have been advocating for.

Join Our Open Community Meeting – 4th March

We believe the community deserves a say in how the Water Summits are run. That’s why we are holding an open community meeting on Tuesday, 4th March, to discuss the proposal we shared with MPs in November and to ensure that the future of the Water Summits remains in the hands of the people, not politicians.

???? Date: Tuesday, 4th March
⏰ Time: 19:00
???? Location: Essex Yacht Club

Book your place here.

This is your chance to have your voice heard and to stand up for a fair, transparent process. If you care about the future of our water, we strongly encourage you to attend.

Have Your Say

We want to hear from you. What do you think about the way decisions are being made? Should the working group be elected rather than appointed? Get in touch with us at info@waterwatchuk.org or share your thoughts on our social media channels.

Together, we can push for real change and ensure that community voices are not just heard, but genuinely listened to.