Water watchdog considers company water resources plans

07/03/2008

The Consumer Council for Water will be discussing the latest water price increases and reviewing water companies’ strategies for managing water resources, including any potential impacts which may arise as a result of climate change, when it meets in York on Thursday 13 March.

The watchdog’s Northern Committee, which represents customers of Hartlepool Water, Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities, will be questioning the companies on their strategies to keep customers’ taps flowing in the future.

Andrea Cook, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water’s Northern Committee, said: “Companies will face different challenges in meeting future demand for water based on their individual regional circumstances and characteristics. We will be seeking assurances on behalf of consumers across northern England that these companies have appropriate plans to maintain water supplies to customers while protecting their local environments.”
 
Other issues on the agenda include the new prices for water and sewerage which will apply from 1 April 2008, an update on companies’ activities and operations and, an update on the number of complaints received by the Consumer Council for Water about the water companies.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and will have an opportunity to raise any issues relating to water and sewerage services during the listening session at the start of the meeting.

The meeting will begin at 10am on Thursday 13 March 2008 at Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, St Andrewgate, York, YO1 7AL.

Ends

Notes for editors

1. The Consumer Council for Water represents consumers in England and Wales.
2. The Consumer Council for Water 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 Assembly Government. It has a committee for Wales, and at local level  is supported by four regional committees in England.
3. Our national website is www.ccwater.org.uk.

Public enquiries to the Consumer Council for Water’s national number, 0845 039 2837, or email enquiries@ccwater.org.uk.