The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has welcomed the appointment of a new consumer champion to speak up for the interests of water customers in Wales.

Tom Taylor will begin his four-year term as CCWater’s Wales Committee Chair on October 1 after being appointed by Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Natural Resources.

Tom – who is currently the Commercial Director for the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment – will represent the interests of customers of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Dee Valley Water and Albion Water.

He will succeed Diane McCrea who has chaired the Wales Committee and has been Vice Chair of CCWater since the organisation was established as the independent voice of water and sewerage customers in October 2005.

His appointment was warmly welcomed by Alan Lovell, Chair of CCWater, who said: “We’re looking forward to Tom playing a leading role in championing the interests of water customers across Wales.

“Customers need a strong and respected voice at the heart of the water industry in Wales and we’re confident Tom will build on the excellent work of our departing Committee Chair Diane McCrea.”

Tom has held a number of executive and non-executive roles including Chief Executive of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

His appointment was made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The Code requires appointees to declare any significant political activity. Tom did not declare any activity.

For more information call CCWater’s media team on 0121 345 1005.