OfWat fines: A gimmick. Money should go back in people's pockets  

EMBARGO: 00.01 Monday 12th February. 

Responding to the embargoed announcement by Ofwat, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: 

"This isn't up to scratch and is a gimmick. 

"Money should instead go right back in the pockets of the people affected, through compensation from the water firms. Why are people paying for a service they simply aren't receiving? Conservative Ministers need to get a grip on this and give people their money back when the taps don't run and water firms mess up.

"All those who suffered endless water outages without compensation, especially Thames Water customers, will have their heads in their hands at this latest announcement. This is yet more macho talk from a regulator which is about as tough as a wet paper bag." 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

WATER COMPANIES FACE FINES FOR POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Embargo: 00.01 Monday 12th February

From today (12 February 2024) Ofwat has new powers to act against any water company that provides poor customer service in breach of a new licence condition, which could see the regulator impose fines of up to 10% of the company's turnover.

Ofwat expects all water companies to be focused on delivering a high level of customer service - from resolving complaints to making sure customers are informed and supported during incidents where water supplies are disrupted.