Birmingham Map Marked with Pushpin

Businesses in the Midlands that are unhappy with their water or sewerage services can quiz industry bosses when the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) meets in Birmingham on Tuesday (4 June).

Representatives from the UK Water Retailer Council, regulator Ofwat and Scottish Water will join the Water Watchdog to discuss how to turn the tide of rising complaints from business customers over the past two years.

The meeting comes just a few weeks after CCWater revealed it had seen yet another increase in complaints from businesses about the service they receive during the last three months of 2018/19.

Complaints to the watchdog have risen sharply since businesses, charities and public sector bodies in England were given the freedom to shop around for a better deal in April 2017. The consumer body is now handling five times more complaints from businesses than before the market opened.

Sir Tony Redmond, CCWater’s Interim Chair, said: “Almost three-quarters of the complaints we handle relate to the accuracy of bills, which has caused huge frustration for thousands of customers.”

“We’ve worked with retailers and wholesalers to try and turn things around but many customers’ patience is wearing thin. Our meeting provides another chance for the sector to get to grips with what needs to change.”

Businesses are welcome to attend the meeting and put their own questions to the panel. The meeting will begin at 11am at the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square. If you would like to attend please email Alison Townsend at [email protected]

Download June 2019 – Public Board Meeting Agenda and Papers (pdf – 6 MB)