Bosses of water companies have been urged to offer more support to customers struggling amid the rising cost of living.
In a joint letter to water and wastewater company CEOs, David Black, Chief Executive of Ofwat and Emma Clancy, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), have raised concerns over “unaffordable” water bills.
They have warned that higher inflation means further spikes in bills.
Ofwat and the CCW have asked companies to introduce measures, including social tariffs for more customers, to support them through the cost of living pressures.
Plans for these new measures need to be set out by 8th December.
David Black, Ofwat Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is now for companies to demonstrate that they can find ways to help customers through this affordability crisis while not compromising on their performance.”
Emma Clancy, Chief Executive of the CCW, said: “Companies need to take action now while continuing to support our calls for a new water affordability scheme that protects customers that cannot afford the growing investment pressures on the sector.”
Today, the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee is questioning the water companies on their environmental performance, particularly in relation to sewage discharges.
Water company CEOs, including Thames Water, Welsh Water and Southern Water are expected to be challenged on whether executive pay and dividends in the sector are justified given the scale of water pollution.
