Don't bury your head in the sand over debt, local weather watchdog urges customers

23/01/2006

As the post Christmas bills arrive on the doormat, the Consumer Council for Water Eastern region urges customers to talk to their water company if they are struggling to pay their bill.

Christine Macdonald, regional manager for the Consumer Council for Water Eastern, said: “Most people will be receiving their bills from last month and maybe concentrating on other financial matters which they feel are more urgent. 

“But if they know there will be problems paying their water bill they should contact their company.  Customers who find themselves in financial difficulty should talk to their water company rather than waiting for the company to contact them.  Delaying contact can mean the debt increasing with no plan of how this can be tackled.

All regional water companies - Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Essex and Suffolk Water and Tendring Hundred Water - offer flexible payment plans to help customers spread the payment required to meet the bill.

Water customers, who do not have a water meter, could save money by switching to a meter.  The consumer champion suggests customers contact their local company to discuss whether they would benefit from being charged based on the consumption measured through the meter.

Local media enquiries contact: Christine MacDonald, Regional Manager of CCWater Eastern on 0122 332 3889

Notes for editors

1. CCWater Eastern represents consumers of Anglian Water, Cambridge Water, Essex and Suffolk Water and Tendring Hundred Water.
2.  CCWater is the statutory water consumer body, and operates as a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
3. At regional level, it is supported by nine regional committees in England and one for Wales.
4. Our national website is www.ccwater.org.uk.

Media enquiries to Andrew Marsh on 0121 345 1005 or 07778 160 803 (out of hours) or Karen Blanchette on 0121 345 1006 or 07778 160 808.