Water watchdog welcomes swift payment of compensation to customers in Lancashire

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has welcomed the swift payment of compensation to over 300,000 United Utilities customers who have been affected by the boil water notice in Lancashire.

CCWater has been in negotiations with United Utilities to ensure its response to compensating customers is fair and reflects the considerable disruption that has been caused to people’s lives since August 6.

These discussions have led to United Utilities confirming today (Thursday) that every customer will begin to receive a standard payment ranging from £50 to £60. Business customers who have incurred extra unavoidable costs or losses, as a result of the boil water notice, will also be able to apply for additional compensation.

Andy White, Senior Policy Manager at the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Customers have suffered considerable disruption so we are pleased United Utilities is acting swiftly to compensate every customer.

“We believe the quick automatic payment will ensure most customers are not ‘out of pocket’ and are compensated for the disruption they have suffered. As is always the case, we would expect United Utilities to look sympathetically upon any situation where a customer has suffered extra losses.”

To arrange an interview with CCWater Northern Chair Robert Light or senior policy manager Andy White please call the CCWater media team on 0121 345 1005