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08/10/2004
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.
In an article by Andrea Cook, a member of the national WaterVoice Council - published today in Utility Week - WaterVoice said that customers needed "clearer, more accessible financial help", preferably through the existing tax credits and benefits system and alongside new options for improving their ability to pay bills.
Ms Cook said: "There is no time for government to drag its heels over finding effective solutions to the problem of water affordability. Price rises are looming large and government departments involved in the review need to take responsibility for finding solutions, rather than defending territories and limiting options.
"It is a matter of urgency that government finds measures, ideally by next April, to moderate the impact of water bill rises on many poor and vulnerable customers and provide specific financial assistance where it is most needed."
WaterVoice has outlined four new options for protecting customers from the worst effects of the bill increases that they will face from Spring 2005: reviewing charges within social security benefits; increasing flexibility in operating the Water Direct scheme; providing Council Tax relief or a discount towards water and sewerage charges; and examining the budgeting system available through Post Offices in Eire and its possible extension to Post Office bank accounts in the UK.
If Ofwat's draft price limits are confirmed in December, water bills for 2005-06 will rise by an average of 7.8%, plus inflation, across England and Wales. However, millions of customers (including those of Severn Trent Water, South East Water, South West Water, Thames Water and Welsh Water) will face one-off increases in excess of 10%.
Andrea Cook added: "Whilst WaterVoice has acknowledged that Ofwat's price proposals are better than had been feared, there is still no effective support from government for those on low and fixed incomes who will not be able to absorb any increase."
(gmcg/mb)
In an article by Andrea Cook, a member of the national WaterVoice Council - published today in Utility Week - WaterVoice said that customers needed "clearer, more accessible financial help", preferably through the existing tax credits and benefits system and alongside new options for improving their ability to pay bills.
Ms Cook said: "There is no time for government to drag its heels over finding effective solutions to the problem of water affordability. Price rises are looming large and government departments involved in the review need to take responsibility for finding solutions, rather than defending territories and limiting options.
"It is a matter of urgency that government finds measures, ideally by next April, to moderate the impact of water bill rises on many poor and vulnerable customers and provide specific financial assistance where it is most needed."
WaterVoice has outlined four new options for protecting customers from the worst effects of the bill increases that they will face from Spring 2005: reviewing charges within social security benefits; increasing flexibility in operating the Water Direct scheme; providing Council Tax relief or a discount towards water and sewerage charges; and examining the budgeting system available through Post Offices in Eire and its possible extension to Post Office bank accounts in the UK.
If Ofwat's draft price limits are confirmed in December, water bills for 2005-06 will rise by an average of 7.8%, plus inflation, across England and Wales. However, millions of customers (including those of Severn Trent Water, South East Water, South West Water, Thames Water and Welsh Water) will face one-off increases in excess of 10%.
Andrea Cook added: "Whilst WaterVoice has acknowledged that Ofwat's price proposals are better than had been feared, there is still no effective support from government for those on low and fixed incomes who will not be able to absorb any increase."
(gmcg/mb)
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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%).
'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%).
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
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.
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.
22 June 2012
Government Guidance Tells Water Company's To Cut Bills For The Poor
The government will issue guidance to water companies in England and Wales to allow them to charge lower prices for the poorest customers. Ministers want to see "social tariffs" based on ability to pay, as part of a broader drive to reduce utility bills. With an estimated 2.
Government Guidance Tells Water Company's To Cut Bills For The Poor
The government will issue guidance to water companies in England and Wales to allow them to charge lower prices for the poorest customers. Ministers want to see "social tariffs" based on ability to pay, as part of a broader drive to reduce utility bills. With an estimated 2.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
