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Statement From Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive, The Consumer Council

Thursday 11 September 2008

“The Consumer Council welcomed today’s statement from First Minister, Peter Robinson that the timing and phasing of the introduction of water charges should be re-considered as a clear sign that he is in touch with and listening to the concerns of consumers as they face into a difficult winter with the soaring cost of living. Consumers here will greet this news with a sigh of relief.

“The Consumer Council today advised the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee at Stormont of its view that consumers were under considerable financial pressure and the introduction of another charge, like water, may have the potential to tip many households over the edge.  The Consumer Council believes that investment in our water and sewerage services is essential but welcomes the acknowledgement that households plainly are in fear of how they are going to cope with all these bills.  We will wish to work closely with the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister to feed in the views of consumers on the timing and phasing of any future water charges.”

  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, passenger transport and water.
  3. For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk

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