value price concept on balance scale

The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has responded to Ofwat’s draft decisions opens in new window this morning on the price limits that will determine what 14 water companies in England and Wales can charge their customers over the next five years.

The regulator has revealed that the average water and sewerage bill will be cut by £50 before inflation is added over the period, alongside a substantial package of investment in improving and protecting the environment and the essential services that customers depend on.

However, the bill changes will vary considerably across England and Wales.

Tony Smith, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water, said:

It’s good news that most customers will see their bills fall even after inflation and that Ofwat has responded positively to our long-standing challenge to be much tougher on companies’ financing costs and performance. Not everyone will see their bills fall when you add inflation and customers need to be told how much Ofwat’s financial rewards for companies could hit them in the pocket. Only about half of the 3 million households who struggle to afford their water bills will receive financial assistance under these plans, so more companies should use their own profits to boost this support and not rely on the goodwill of other customers to fund these schemes.