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19/08/2003
Ofwat warns customers over rise in charges
Ofwat has today warned the water industry that customers would find it hard to accept “substantially above-inflation rises” in water and sewerage bills following the 2004 Price Review.
Ofwat, the economic regulator, has already indicated that prices will have to increase for the period 2005-2010, due to upward cost pressures which customers will have to fund. These include another environmental improvement programme, work to reduce the risk of sewer flooding, shortfalls in water company pension funds and the impact of tax changes imposed by the Chancellor.
Water industry representative group Water UK has said water bills must rise to enable companies to pour extra funds into renewing the water and sewerage infrastructure.
Maurice Terry, WaterVoice Chairman, said: "There are ominous signs about future water bills. Customers would find it difficult to accept big increases, and are unlikely to welcome any increases that are not clearly justified by the benefits - particularly if those increases do not address their priorities."
In a briefing note published today, WaterVoice has urged customers to get involved in the price review as public consultation takes place on the water companies' proposals during the autumn (starting with the publication of the companies' draft business plans at the end of August). WaterVoice committees will meet in public in their regions in September and November, before submitting their formal response to Ofwat.
(gmcg)
Ofwat, the economic regulator, has already indicated that prices will have to increase for the period 2005-2010, due to upward cost pressures which customers will have to fund. These include another environmental improvement programme, work to reduce the risk of sewer flooding, shortfalls in water company pension funds and the impact of tax changes imposed by the Chancellor.
Water industry representative group Water UK has said water bills must rise to enable companies to pour extra funds into renewing the water and sewerage infrastructure.
Maurice Terry, WaterVoice Chairman, said: "There are ominous signs about future water bills. Customers would find it difficult to accept big increases, and are unlikely to welcome any increases that are not clearly justified by the benefits - particularly if those increases do not address their priorities."
In a briefing note published today, WaterVoice has urged customers to get involved in the price review as public consultation takes place on the water companies' proposals during the autumn (starting with the publication of the companies' draft business plans at the end of August). WaterVoice committees will meet in public in their regions in September and November, before submitting their formal response to Ofwat.
(gmcg)
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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%).
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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%).
07 March 2006
Customers to receive refund from Severn Trent Water
Customers of Severn Trent Water are to receive refunds after an investigation by Ofwat found the water company had overcharged customers. The regulator's investigation found that the water company, which has more than eight million customers, had provided regulatory data that was either "deliberately miscalculated" or "poorly supported".
Customers to receive refund from Severn Trent Water
Customers of Severn Trent Water are to receive refunds after an investigation by Ofwat found the water company had overcharged customers. The regulator's investigation found that the water company, which has more than eight million customers, had provided regulatory data that was either "deliberately miscalculated" or "poorly supported".
31 January 2012
Water And Sewerage Bills To Rise In 2012
The average bill for water and sewage is to rise by over 0.5% above inflation to £376, according to the industry's regulator. According to Ofwat on Tuesday, the average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales is forecast to increase by 5.7%, or about £20. This takes into account a rate of inflation of 5.
Water And Sewerage Bills To Rise In 2012
The average bill for water and sewage is to rise by over 0.5% above inflation to £376, according to the industry's regulator. According to Ofwat on Tuesday, the average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales is forecast to increase by 5.7%, or about £20. This takes into account a rate of inflation of 5.
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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.
