THE government has pledged to give farmers greater flexibility over water supplies following today’s drought summit.

Farm bosses’ organisation the National Farmers Union has been warning of tinderbox conditions that have halted grass growth and depleted yields, calling for relief from the “crippling impact” of this summer’s heatwave.

The Environment Agency announced that farmers will be allowed more flexibility in the rules on taking water out of the environment, making it easier to trade water allowances between farmers to maximise supplies and help them to make the most of extra water in rivers after heavy rain.

The meeting followed the GMB union’s response to Michael Gove’s meeting with industry body Water UK, after which the Environment Secretary said he had asked eight water companies to “raise the bar on tackling leaks.”

GMB national officer Stuart Fegan said the announcement was simply “words, not meaningful action” that would leave customers “wondering whether the privatised water companies have actually agreed to take any action to fix leaks.”

If targets have been set, he queried why it had not been done before.

“Is it because it is clearly in the interests of profiteering water companies not to make the necessary investment in our water infrastructure when all they face are insignificant fines from [utility watchdog] Ofwat and a mere ticking-off from the minister on their dismal performance?

“Has it really only taken the recent cold and warm weather — and a hosepipe ban — for water companies to wake up to the reality of the experience of their customers?”