Consumer Council ‘appalled’ By Ni Water Breach
Friday 12 March 2010
The Consumer Council has said it is appalled following confirmation of a serious breakdown in management by Northern Ireland Water (NI Water).
Antoinette McKeown, Consumer Council Chief Executive said: “Consumers will be demanding answers and have the right to know the financial implications of this mismanagement. They need to know that they are getting the best possible value for their money and the reality is now they don’t know. On their behalf the Consumer Council wants to scrutinise the full detail of the report into this investigation so that we can begin to restore consumer confidence which will be in shreds.
“We welcome the Regional Development Minister’s immediate action at Board level. In addition, we are also calling for an immediate investigation at senior management level so that executives involved in this mismanagement are also made accountable. This must never happen again. More than that, the new Chief Executive must ensure consumers are confident that it will not happen again.
“We have sought and received assurances from him that there will be open and honest communication from NI Water with consumers and an immediate plan of action to address these failures. The Consumer Council also wants to see the right people appointed at Board level who will ensure that consumers are at the heart of every decision taken by NI Water from now on regarding this vital, public service. The Consumer Council will scrutinise NI Water even more closely to ensure it is delivering a high quality, safe public service and that it is fully answerable for public money.”
- Consumer Council media contact: Keelin Kelly telephone, 028 9067 4807 or e-mail, kkelly@consumercouncil.org.uk.
- 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 buses, trains, planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water.
For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk
