27 March 2007
A new sewerage system which will collect overflows from London sewers is expected to add around £40 extra per year to consumers' water and sewerage bills.
Recently approved by the government, the £2 billion Thames Tideway scheme will help to minimise environmental and aesthetic problems arising from the discharge of combined sewer overflows.
However, concerns have been raised about whether residents' money will be spent in the most effective way.
David Bland, Chairman of CCWater Thames, said: "Nobody would dispute that sewerage systems must meet decent environmental standards.
"Consumers tell us that they are willing to contribute something towards environmental improvements: but this project far outweighs consumers' willingness to pay for improvements to the Tideway.
"The costs will be met wholly through increases in consumers' bills, and will be far more than most are willing or expecting to pay. For some Thames Water customers, the resulting price rises will be simply unaffordable," warned Mr Bland.
Industry regulator Ofwat declared that "no financing option is straightforward and considerably more investigation is required". Its figures placed the annual bill increase to be at just £37, it pledged to "ensure that the work is regulated in a way that protects consumers, promotes value and safeguards the future".
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