UK government classifies bottled water akin to soft drinks, subjecting it to Value Added Tax (VAT). Meanwhile, tap water is considered essential to life, and is exempt from VAT.

I feel there seems to be a disconnect in recognising that natural mineral water and spring water are, in my view, more vital for health. We think public trust in water regulators and providers in England and Wales is in decline, driven by concerns over sewage, pollution, and the perception that companies prioritise shareholder interests over the environment and customers. Tap water is the cheapest water you can consume, natural mineral and spring waters are the premium of the category and the most expensive, and should not be subject to VAT.