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07/06/2004
Authorities urged to slash proposed water bill increases
Government and Ofwat today faced calls to 'turn off the tap' and cut, by at least a third, proposed average water bill rises of £70, or 29.2%, over the next five years.
In open letters to Elliot Morley, Minister for the Environment and Agri-Environment, Carwyn Jones, Welsh Minister for Environment Planning and Countryside, and Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, WaterVoice Chairman Maurice Terry said he was "dismayed" that the strategic framework within which the water companies have put together their final business plans had resulted in company proposals for such large increases in water bills.
It makes matters worse for customers that most companies are planning to hit customers with one-off rises next April, which average around half the increase for the full five-year period, the letter added.
WaterVoice also pressed the government to listen to the recommendations of two House of Commons Select Committees (Select Committee on Environment Food and Rural Affairs, and the Environmental Audit Committee) which recently held and published inquiries on water pricing and the 2004 price review.
Mr Terry said: "It looks like customers are in for a soaking from next April. As a matter of urgency, the government must consider introducing better financial support for customers on low and fixed incomes, who will not be able to absorb the planned rises. Having sanctioned such a large environment programme, to be funded by customers, it is up to government to take policy responsibility for dealing with the social consequences."
The WaterVoice letter contained a 'shopping list' of measures, including demands for: a smoother price profile over the five-year period by Ofwat; and for government to help poorer households with water and sewerage charges through the tax credits and benefits system.
(gmcg)
In open letters to Elliot Morley, Minister for the Environment and Agri-Environment, Carwyn Jones, Welsh Minister for Environment Planning and Countryside, and Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, WaterVoice Chairman Maurice Terry said he was "dismayed" that the strategic framework within which the water companies have put together their final business plans had resulted in company proposals for such large increases in water bills.
It makes matters worse for customers that most companies are planning to hit customers with one-off rises next April, which average around half the increase for the full five-year period, the letter added.
WaterVoice also pressed the government to listen to the recommendations of two House of Commons Select Committees (Select Committee on Environment Food and Rural Affairs, and the Environmental Audit Committee) which recently held and published inquiries on water pricing and the 2004 price review.
Mr Terry said: "It looks like customers are in for a soaking from next April. As a matter of urgency, the government must consider introducing better financial support for customers on low and fixed incomes, who will not be able to absorb the planned rises. Having sanctioned such a large environment programme, to be funded by customers, it is up to government to take policy responsibility for dealing with the social consequences."
The WaterVoice letter contained a 'shopping list' of measures, including demands for: a smoother price profile over the five-year period by Ofwat; and for government to help poorer households with water and sewerage charges through the 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%).
08 October 2004
Government help needed for poorer water customers
The government has today been urged to make "radical improvements" to the way customers on low and fixed incomes receive help with their water bills.
Government help needed for poorer water customers
The government has today been urged to make "radical improvements" to the way customers on low and fixed incomes receive help with their water 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.
07 December 2004
Water improvements need to be cost efficient, Goverment told
Government and water industry regulators must think radically to ensure that future water and sewerage improvements can take place without burning a hole in customers' pockets, WaterVoice has said today.
Water improvements need to be cost efficient, Goverment told
Government and water industry regulators must think radically to ensure that future water and sewerage improvements can take place without burning a hole in customers' pockets, WaterVoice has said today.
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.
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