UKGC Water Bill Hits £2.5k, FOI Reveals
Regulator's water usage and costs disclosed, highlighting reliance on landlord for environmental management.
A Freedom of Information request reveals the UK Gambling Commission's annual water bill was £2,530.34 for 5,898 cubic metres of usage. The regulator noted it does not hold supplier details as it is a tenant, but plans to include water policies in a future environmental strategy.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) incurred a water and sewerage cost of £2,530.34 for a total usage of 5,898 cubic metres in its most recent reporting year.
The data, released under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, provides a rare look into the operational expenditure and environmental footprint of the UK's gambling regulator.
Key Findings from the Disclosure
The request, dated 2 December 2025, sought to understand the Commission's water management practices. The response from the UKGC clarified that as a tenant within a larger building, its water supply is managed by its landlord. This arrangement impacts the level of detail the Commission holds.
Key points from the UKGC's response include:
- Total Usage: 5,898 Cubic Metres
- Total Cost: £2,530.34 (as part of a capped service charge)
- Water Provider: Information not held by the UKGC.
- Tariff Details: Information not held by the UKGC.
Crucially, the Commission confirmed it has not personally undertaken a water and wastewater audit or a consumption benchmark exercise to review costs and usage. It noted, however, that it could not confirm whether its building provider had conducted such reviews.
Context and Significance
For consumers and industry observers, this disclosure provides a measure of the regulator's own operational transparency. The original FOI request cited public interest in how government bodies manage resources, particularly concerning environmental impact and cost efficiency.
The UKGC's position as a tenant explains why it does not hold specific details about its water supplier or tariff. The costs are bundled into a service charge managed by its landlord, limiting the Commission's direct control over supplier choice and negotiation.
While the regulator stated that funding was not a barrier to implementing water-saving projects, it acknowledged the absence of a dedicated water strategy. However, it also confirmed its intention to address this gap, stating: "The Commission will include policies on water usage in a forthcoming updated environmental policy."
This response indicates a future commitment to formalising its environmental responsibilities, even within the constraints of a tenancy agreement. It underscores the growing expectation for public bodies to not only regulate their respective sectors but also to demonstrate sound corporate governance and environmental awareness in their own operations.