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This is our final impact assessment, which we are publishing alongside our recommendation for proposed changes to the GSS Regulations. All customers of appointed companies are entitled to guaranteed minimum standards of service, through the Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS). This is laid down by the UK Government in the Water Supply and Sewerage Services (Customer Service Standards) Regulations 2008 (the 'GSS Regulations'). Currently, the GSS applies only to existing companies that are appointed as water only and water and sewerage companies (‘appointed companies’). It does not yet apply to new entrant retailers licensed under the new ‘retail authorisations’ (water supply and sewerage service licences or ‘WSSLs’) introduced by the Water Act 2014. These WSSL holders could enter the retail market from April 2017. The Water Act 2014 also includes powers for Ministers to extend the GSS to WSSL retailers. Defra has asked us for our recommendations on how best to proceed, after we have first consulted on the issue.