Herbert: Excessive water bill rises won’t be tolerated in a recession
7 April 2009
Commenting on the final business plans submitted by water companies for Ofwat’s 2009 price review Shadow Environment Secretary, Nick Herbert said:
“These sustained, above inflation rises are in danger of taking bills to unacceptable levels, especially in a time of recession. Water companies, many of whom have historically enjoyed high customer satisfaction rates, are trespassing into a more dangerous zone with consumers. There will be growing concern that many of the poorest families will not be able to afford bills on this scale.
“If rising bills combine with anger over reductions in supply during times of water shortage, then customers could begin to feel real resentment. We don’t want water companies to be seen as 21st Century robber barons, demanding price rises from consumers who cannot say no, but leaking water and restricting supplies to households in return.”