13 June 2007
Consumer watchdog for water the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has piled increasing amounts of pressure on United Utilities to provide its future plans for helping disadvantaged customers to pay for their water.
United Utilities recently announced high profits and while it was praised for its continued work into replacing old pipes and repairing damaged infrastructures, concerns were raised about the increased cost consumers were bearing via their water bills.
Next week sees an open meeting between consumers and officials from the water supplier where consumers will be given the chance to voice their concerns and opinions during a discussion forum.
Andrea Cook, Chairman of the CCWater North West, commented: "Water charges are continuing to rise ahead of inflation to pay for major investment in improved services and to meet higher environmental standards.
"It is therefore vitally important that United Utilities does all it can to identify those customers who may be having problems paying their bills and offers."
Other items up for discussion include how best to track down on consumers who are able to pay their bills but avoid it and United Utilities long-term strategy plans.
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