Profits increase must match customer expectations of fairness

06/12/2006

The Consumer Council for Water Northumbria today gave a clear message that Northumbrian Water’s strong profit growth in its water and sewerage business must be matched by success in meeting customer expectations of fairness, as the company today announced an increase in operating profits of 17.4% to £75.5m.

Andrea Cook, Chairman of CCWater Northumbria, said: “Consumers have seen above inflation increases in their water and sewerage bills over recent years while shareholders are receiving growing dividends. They understandably question whether the correct balance is being struck or whether shareholders benefit at their expense.”

She added: “Northumbrian Water will have the lowest bills in the country by 2010, which will benefit the most disadvantaged customers in a region which has high levels of economic deprivation. But the water industry overall has a lot of ground to make up if it is to regain consumer confidence, and people in the North East want to see sustained improvements and to share in outperformance.

“We look to Northumbrian Water to engage with us on this as we monitor progress through the remainder of the pricing period.”

If you have an unresolved issue with your water company get in touch with your local CCWater regional office.  Customers of Northumbrian Water and Hartlepool Water should contact CCWater Northumbria – 01325 464222 / lo-call 08457 089367 - email northumbria@ccwater.org.uk

Local media enquiries contact: Barbara Leech CCWater Northumbria / Yorkshire on  01325 464222.

Notes for editors
1. CCWater Northumbria represents consumers of Northumbrian Water and Hartlepool Water.
2. CCWater is the statutory water consumer body, and operates as a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Government.
3. At regional level CCWater is supported by nine regional committees in England and one for Wales.
4. Our national website is www.ccwater.org.uk.

Media enquiries to Andrew Marsh on 0121 345 1005 or 07778 160803 (out of hours) or Karen Blanchette on 0121 345 1006 or 07778 160808.