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07/12/2004
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.
Speaking later today at The Economist's 15th Annual Water Industry Conference in London, Maurice Terry, WaterVoice Chairman, challenged the Government to: introduce an effective package of help for low-income customers, using the tax credits and benefits system, to soften the impact of an average 18% rise in water and sewerage bills to take effect from April 2005; and consider better and more widely acceptable ways of funding environmental improvements, including general taxation and adopting a 'polluter pays' approach.
Mr Terry said: "We have previously urged the Government to act, through the tax credits and benefits system, to help low income customers pay their water and sewerage bills.
“The Government has responded by announcing a completely inadequate package of measures that fails to address the real problems of water affordability. Together with other consumer groups, we will continue to press the Government to face up to its responsibilities on this issue.”
WaterVoice provides an independent voice for all customers of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales in respect of price, service and value for money; they also investigate complaints from customers about their water company.
(MB)
Speaking later today at The Economist's 15th Annual Water Industry Conference in London, Maurice Terry, WaterVoice Chairman, challenged the Government to: introduce an effective package of help for low-income customers, using the tax credits and benefits system, to soften the impact of an average 18% rise in water and sewerage bills to take effect from April 2005; and consider better and more widely acceptable ways of funding environmental improvements, including general taxation and adopting a 'polluter pays' approach.
Mr Terry said: "We have previously urged the Government to act, through the tax credits and benefits system, to help low income customers pay their water and sewerage bills.
“The Government has responded by announcing a completely inadequate package of measures that fails to address the real problems of water affordability. Together with other consumer groups, we will continue to press the Government to face up to its responsibilities on this issue.”
WaterVoice provides an independent voice for all customers of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales in respect of price, service and value for money; they also investigate complaints from customers about their water company.
(MB)
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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.
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.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
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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.
