Taking account of the poor in water sector regulation

This paper seeks to assist policy-makers and regulators to identify what they can do to modify the existing regulatory framework or implement it in a way that is particularly favourable to poor customers. It addresses the following questions: How can the pro-poor merits of an existing regulatory framework be assessed? How can regulatory constraints to expanding services to poor customers be identified? What can be done to alleviate regulatory constraints to pro-poor service? Is there scope for “proactive” pro-poor regulation, and if so, what does this consist of? Chapter 2 evaluates how regulatory frameworks can take account of the needs of the poor and discusses why regulatory rules, instruments, and processes may need to be adapted to that effect. Chapter 3 discusses areas of regulatory practice that are most relevant to addressing the particular circumstances of the poor, based on the findings of the literature review and analysis of selected case studies. In addition, a series of annexes explores those themes further.