Collaborative multiscale water resources planning in England

Practitioners in water resources planning in England are navigating new multiscale planning structures. A National Framework introduced in 2020 embeds strategic cooperation across a privatized industry to meet higher resilience standards. This study presents a critical analysis of the National Framework to identify feasible solutions to navigate England’s water crisis. Findings are based on engagement with practitioners identifying successes, challenges, and lessons learned throughout 2020–2024. Recommendations include establishing a national coordination office as part of an explicit multiscale framework. Over time, the framework can continue to be built upon for a more informed transition to adaptive, collaborative, integrated planning.