Labour’s new powers for water customers are a ‘stitch-up’, say campaigners
Exclusive: Documents reveal water firms have been allowed to advise on how they wish to be held to account Labour’s new powers for customers to hold water companies to account are a “stitch-up”, campaigners have said, as utilities firms have been advising on how to implement it. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is creating what the government referred to as “powerful consumer panels” so the…
Campaigners criticize new water customer powers as a "stitch-up" as water firms advise on implementation. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is creating "powerful consumer panels" for the public to question executives and seek redress for issues like sewage and water shortages. However, documents reveal the CCW asked water companies to advise on their involvement in these panels.
Water bills continue to rise, and there have been hosepipe bans and sewage dumping in waterways due to inadequate investment in infrastructure. Water customers often face difficulties getting companies to respond and compensate for failures. Feargal Sharkey, a water campaigner, calls the arrangement a "scandal" and "outrageous."
The CCW defends its actions, stating they consulted water companies to ensure their engagement in the panels. The government remains committed to introducing sweeping changes to give customers more control over the water industry and install an independent water ombudsman to strengthen customer protection.
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