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05/11/2013
Call For Water Firms To Give Customers A Fair Deal
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has called on water companies to ensure that customers get a fair deal today.
In a letter that has gone to all of the major water companies, Owen Paterson stressed the tough times that households are facing and the crucial role that the industry can play to bring costs down.
As part of government's plan to help hardworking people, water companies have been specifically asked by Ofwat to consider if they need to apply the full price increases next year allowed for in the 2009 Price Review.
Mr Paterson said: "We know that household budgets are under pressure, and keeping water bills affordable is a crucial way we can help hardworking people.
"That is why we are pressing hard to make sure customers get a fair deal, by encouraging water companies to look closely at any price increases, introduce social tariffs for vulnerable customers and crackdown on bad debt."
Since 2009, average increases in water and sewerage bills have been in line with inflation, and are just over a pound a day, but this has still substantially outstripped increases in household income.
(CD/IT)
In a letter that has gone to all of the major water companies, Owen Paterson stressed the tough times that households are facing and the crucial role that the industry can play to bring costs down.
As part of government's plan to help hardworking people, water companies have been specifically asked by Ofwat to consider if they need to apply the full price increases next year allowed for in the 2009 Price Review.
Mr Paterson said: "We know that household budgets are under pressure, and keeping water bills affordable is a crucial way we can help hardworking people.
"That is why we are pressing hard to make sure customers get a fair deal, by encouraging water companies to look closely at any price increases, introduce social tariffs for vulnerable customers and crackdown on bad debt."
Since 2009, average increases in water and sewerage bills have been in line with inflation, and are just over a pound a day, but this has still substantially outstripped increases in household income.
(CD/IT)
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WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
28 November 2003
Poorer customers to struggle with water prices, says watchdog
Low income customers across the east of England may struggle to pay their water bills if the proposed price increases get the go-ahead, says the local watchdog.
Poorer customers to struggle with water prices, says watchdog
Low income customers across the east of England may struggle to pay their water bills if the proposed price increases get the go-ahead, says the local watchdog.
16 October 2003
Improvements plans could add 'hefty rises' to water bills
The water regulator Ofwat has warned today that customers face "hefty rises" in their water bills if improvement programmes are confirmed.
Improvements plans could add 'hefty rises' to water bills
The water regulator Ofwat has warned today that customers face "hefty rises" in their water bills if improvement programmes are confirmed.
29 August 2003
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
11 August 2008
Water Companies Submit Water Pricing Proposals
The UK's largest water and wastewater services company, Thames Water, has announced it expected its bills to rise by about 3% a year above inflation. However, the company said its £6.5bn investment plan would be the largest spending programme carried out by a UK water company.
Water Companies Submit Water Pricing Proposals
The UK's largest water and wastewater services company, Thames Water, has announced it expected its bills to rise by about 3% a year above inflation. However, the company said its £6.5bn investment plan would be the largest spending programme carried out by a UK water company.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
