The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) is inviting the public to the next meeting of its Northern Committee on:

Wednesday 3 April 2013 From 10am to 3.15pm Malmaison Hotel, Conference Room Mal Five, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 3AQ

Topics to be discussed on the day include: how water companies are using customer feedback to inform their 2015, 20 business plans; water affordability and the potential use of social tariffs to help those struggling to pay; and how water companies plan to take account of the planned changes to the benefits and tax credit systems, and the impact this is likely to have on customers.

At the start of the meeting, members of the public will have the opportunity to raise issues regarding water and sewerage services. Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, Hartlepool Water and United Utilities will all be represented at the meeting.

Andrea Cook, Chair of the CCWater Northern Committee, said:

Individuals and organisations have expressed concerns about the changes to the tax credits and benefits system which are taking place. At this meeting the Northern water and sewerage companies will be telling us how they plan to deal with these changes and the potential implications they have in challenging economic times when there are already high levels of industry debt. We will also be hearing companies’ views on reduced charges for customers with affordability problems, generally known as social tariffs.”