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05/08/2004
Water bills to rise 13% by 2010
Water charges in England and Wales are set to rise by 13% over five years, half the companies' proposals for bill increases.
WaterVoice described as "better than expected" news that - if Ofwat's numbers are confirmed in December - water customers will see average bills rise by £33, from £249 now to £282 (not including inflation) over the five years from April 2005. This compares with the companies' proposals for an average increase of £70 (29%).
However, half of the rise for most customers in England and Wales will come in 2005-06. The biggest rise will see customers of Wessex Water paying an extra 20% (£55) over five years on their current average bill.
Publishing its consultation draft price limits today, Ofwat said that their proposals were "fair to customers and the companies, and will benefit the environment".
WaterVoice Council Chairman Maurice Terry welcomed the publication but added that there was still "unfinished business".
Mr Terry said that the government still had to finish the job of easing affordability problems for low and fixed income customers. It had promised the review in March, following a report by the Select Committee for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on water pricing.
"As always, the devil is in the detail. We will examine Ofwat's decisions very closely to check the implications for customer service. In particular, we will examine the effects on customers' priorities: a secure water supply, maintaining drinking water quality and the collection and treatment of sewage, including the elimination of sewer flooding of homes," he said.
WaterVoice has recommended that the government introduce, at the earliest opportunity, more effective means of financial support in paying water bills, using the existing tax credits and benefits system.
(gmcg)
WaterVoice described as "better than expected" news that - if Ofwat's numbers are confirmed in December - water customers will see average bills rise by £33, from £249 now to £282 (not including inflation) over the five years from April 2005. This compares with the companies' proposals for an average increase of £70 (29%).
However, half of the rise for most customers in England and Wales will come in 2005-06. The biggest rise will see customers of Wessex Water paying an extra 20% (£55) over five years on their current average bill.
Publishing its consultation draft price limits today, Ofwat said that their proposals were "fair to customers and the companies, and will benefit the environment".
WaterVoice Council Chairman Maurice Terry welcomed the publication but added that there was still "unfinished business".
Mr Terry said that the government still had to finish the job of easing affordability problems for low and fixed income customers. It had promised the review in March, following a report by the Select Committee for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on water pricing.
"As always, the devil is in the detail. We will examine Ofwat's decisions very closely to check the implications for customer service. In particular, we will examine the effects on customers' priorities: a secure water supply, maintaining drinking water quality and the collection and treatment of sewage, including the elimination of sewer flooding of homes," he said.
WaterVoice has recommended that the government introduce, at the earliest opportunity, more effective means of financial support in paying water bills, using the existing tax credits and benefits system.
(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%).
'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%).
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.
18 September 2003
Water regulators consider options on bill payments
WaterVoice and Ofwat today published the findings of research which recommends extra charges, more vigorous recovery action or other sanctions as ways to encourage customers to pay their bills.
Water regulators consider options on bill payments
WaterVoice and Ofwat today published the findings of research which recommends extra charges, more vigorous recovery action or other sanctions as ways to encourage customers to pay their bills.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
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.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
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.
19 August 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 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.
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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.
