Newsroom

Driving For A Fair Deal On Water

Wednesday 20 June 2007

The Consumer Council today welcomed the focus of Minister Conor Murphy and the Assembly in taking on the challenge of getting water reform right as a real example of devolution working for consumers. The comments came at the launch of the Consumer Council’s latest research report “Water and the Consumer: Driving for a Fair Deal” at Stormont which gives an up-to-date insight into consumers’ views of paying for water.

Speaking at the event, Steve Costello, Chairman of the Consumer Council said:

“Water charging is arguably the single biggest issue for consumers and the restored Assembly, and difficult decisions lie ahead on how we fund and manage our water and sewerage services.  Our research shows that people understand and accept the need to invest in our water and sewerage infrastructure, but they will only part with their hard-earned money if they believe that they are paying a fair and affordable price for a quality service. Currently, consumers overwhelmingly do not believe it is fair or affordable.

“Consumer support and buy-in for the current water charging proposals has fallen dramatically since 2002.  We welcome Minister Murphy’s clear focus on building public trust and confidence by addressing this controversial issue in an open, transparent and engaging way.  The deferment of water charges this year along with the Independent Review will go a long way to restoring this dented confidence as it allows the necessary breathing space to get water right for consumers now and in the future.

“The Consumer Council is committed to driving for a fair deal in a positive and pragmatic way.  We will work hard to make sure that the voice of consumers is heard and counts at this critical stage in the water reform debate.  We look forward to meeting the Independent Review panel in the near future when we will have an opportunity to present the full findings of our research.”

 

• Key Findings
• Public trust and confidence has been eroded in the water reform process to date.  Buy-in has halved in 5 years.
• Ninety-two per cent of people do not support the privatisation of water and sewerage services. They also believe that water should not be bought and sold for profit.
• Consumers do not believe that they have been properly or meaningfully engaged – but they want to be.
•  Three quarters of consumers do not believe that the current proposals are fair. 
• The main reasons for the sense of unfairness are:

• Eight in ten people believe the fairest way to be charged is on the amount of water used, with those who use the most paying the most.  Leading to the majority of consumers wanting a meter.  Confusion over why meters wanted with many thinking it will be cheaper but not sure if that is the case.
• Due to soaring house prices there is fear about the impact of revaluation of the capital value of homes which consumers do not have control of.  They believe there will be an upward re-evaluation that will lead to higher bills and push more people into financial hardship and debt.
• Three quarters of consumers believe that those who can least afford to pay should pay less with general agreement that allowances should be provided for those who need them especially older people, people with medical conditions and low income families.
• The proposed water charging scheme is not believed to encourage people to save water.
• Consumers view leakage as indicative of a wastage, inefficiency and poor management.  Want the company to get house in order and then they will save their water!
• Governance of the water company is of great importance to the public.  They want public ownership, with a strongly regulated, well run water company being managed in the public best interest and fully accountable to them.
• The water company should face penalties if it fails to meet specified standards.

1. Consumer Council media contact: Susie Brown, telephone, 028 9067 4807 or e-mail, sbrown@consumercouncil.org.uk.  
2. The Consumer Council is an independent consumer organisation, working to bring about change to benefit Northern Ireland’s consumers. The Council campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all. It also carries out research, gives advice and publishes reports and other publications. It deals with individual complaints about electricity, natural gas, coal and passenger transport.
3. For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk

Related Documents

• Water and the Consumer: Driving for a Fair Deal - 249.0KB PDF Document

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