Westcountry water bills to rise by 4.7% from April
Hard-pressed householders in the Westcountry will see water bills climb by an average of 4.7 per cent to £543 this year.
The increase, which is in line with the limits set by industry regulator Ofwat in 2009, will come into force from April.
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South West Water (SWW) announced the hike along with its investment plans for the next three years. It's understood that Wessex Water bills will be confirmed as the highest in the country, overtaking SWW, when prices are published today.
SWW chief executive Chris Loughlin said: "We will be making a huge investment in the infrastructure and economy of the South West.
"We will be working with hundreds of local suppliers to improve services for our customers and I'm particularly pleased to announce we will be offering 20 new apprenticeships at a time when youth unemployment is growing.
"We also know some customers have problems paying their bills, which is why we have decided to put in place practical measures and work with charities and community organisations to find and help those in the most need.
"Our WaterCare scheme has already assisted nearly 10,000 customers and we want to build on that success this year by making sure customers are on the tariff which suits them and offering advice sessions to up to a thousand small businesses on how to reduce their energy and water bills."
The company said some £142 million would be spent from April on improving water and sewerage services around the region.
Major projects include repairing and upgrading sewers and treatment plants in a dozen areas including Torquay, Truro, Paignton, Exeter, Bodmin, Cullompton, Barnstaple and Torpoint.
An additional £2 million will be spent on tackling leakage while it is also looking to expand its internet and text water quality alert system to at least 40 of the region's most popular beaches.
Wetlands on Exmoor, Dartmoor and in the Tamar Valley are also expected to be expanded.
Bills will rise from April 1 this year. Costs will vary according to tariffs, rates and the water usage.
The hike will swallow up some of the welcome £50-a-year rebate for customers, to make up for years of sky-high charges, which was announced by the Government in November.
The annual Treasury rebate will start in 2013-14 and continue until at least 2020.
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by brookesdoy
Thursday, February 02 2012, 9:18PM
“It is not fair - with the other utilities you can move what can you do with only one water provider you have no choice but to pay up.
Also there has been much in the papers recently about paying employees lower salaries who work for national organisations if they live in this area as the wages are generally lower does that mean they will also (a) cut the water bill and (b) reduce house prices or does it only work one way that they take money from us!?!?!?”
by nonuffin
Thursday, February 02 2012, 8:21AM
“mr bradshaw , any oponion u,d like to add ......... elected by the people , u neglect the people , xeter mite dislike the plymoth peeps as a rule , but they got mp,s who got backbone .....”
by maddogwoman
Wednesday, February 01 2012, 2:51PM
“To neeneeoil
Beleive you me the water quality is poor. They could improve it by not adding so much chlorine into it. I even have to add stuff to the water to make it safe for my fish aquarium.”
by Cerberus2010
Wednesday, February 01 2012, 1:42PM
“South West Water achieved an operating profit of £187.3m in 2010/11, down £1.7m
from 2009/10. Results for 2010/11 reflected the industry-wide reduction in the allowed rate of return.
No doubt SWW won't be satisfied until bills are on a par with other utilities.”
by stagedoor
Wednesday, February 01 2012, 10:08AM
“dear sir/madam
i am politlely enquiring of your goodselve`s, the possibility of me joining the board of directors, of SWW PLC LTD.
i have been on the look out for a company who adheres to my personal work ethics & morals,
i.e.
charging the moaning public, extortinate rates on their ever increasing bills,
providing a lousey service, ( dos nt matter because you are a monopoly)
paying lovely,lovely big fat monthly paychecks to the hard working ( he he only joking chaps & lassies) board members
awarding huge annual bonuses & pension contributions to a select few on the board
paying past board members a nice little earner as "consultants"
generally not giving a "hoot" about those idiots who pay our wages, ( the south west public )
please get intouch if you have any positions on the board,
i will bring a wealth of experience with me & i`m sure we would get along just fine!
regards
MR.FRED GOODWIN
C/O CAYMAN ISLANDS
p.s. my old mate mr.Asal Nadir is will also be available ( after his current court case is finished )”
by Tony248
Wednesday, February 01 2012, 8:44AM
“All the groans and complaints stem from one cause. The fact that the Tories passed off the confidence trick of the century by selling us what we already owned. Back when it was "The Water Board" any profit went back into the public purse to defray the overall taxation bill.
It is the worst nightmare, a private monopoly which is profit-driven and able to dictate to its "customers"- slaves more like it. The so-called regulators are toothless and just stand aside whilst it creams millions in profit from the hard up people in the South West.
And we have another Tory government prepared to repeat the same Con trick? Will the voters never learn?”
by 2ladybugs
Wednesday, February 01 2012, 7:15AM
“It seems these companies' just keep raising their prices in line with inflation not actually to benefit the customers. Still I suppose it covers any pay rises.”
by BenDover169
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 10:44PM
“"The company said some £142 million would be spent from April on improving water and sewerage services around the region.".
This should come out of their profits. Maintaing a decent water supply should be a pre requisite, not a charge passed onto the customer.”
by Yesboy1
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 9:09PM
“to neeneeoil
would you suggest they put the price up further- invest (perhaps 2%) of the increase into improving the quality.
or like any good business- put the price, pay theemselves a lot more and make loads of profit.
this is going to also be the nhs in the future.”
by neeneeoil
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 9:02PM
“Maddogwoman, I suggest you read the SWW website and inform yourself as to the effort they put into their services. The water is certainly not as poor drinking quality as you claim and they can only provide what is locally available - we don´t live in the Welsh mountains. It is certainly not the worst drinking water in the country. Yes it might cost a fortune to filter, what alternative do you suggest?”