Committee to discuss consumer issues in the water sector
The Industry and Regulators Committee will continue its inquiry into the work of Ofwat, the economic regulator of the water industry for England and Wales, by discussing consumer issues in the water sector with an academic and the sector’s consumer body. The Committee will question whether the Government and the regulator achieve the right balance between environmental investment and consumer bills and discuss whether a single social tariff should be introduced for those struggling to pay their water bills. The Committee will also consider the powers, governance and performance of the regulator.
Meeting details
At 10.30am: Oral evidence
Inquiry
The work of Ofwat
Chief Executive at Consumer Council for Water
At 11.30am: Oral evidence
Inquiry
The work of Ofwat
Centre for Competition Policy at University of East Anglia
Possible questions include:
- Do customers support increases in bills to pay for environmental investment, especially when facing cost of living pressures? What are consumers’ priorities in relation to the water sector?
- Does Ofwat receive sufficient strategic guidance from the Government on how to balance its objectives, particularly in relation to the tension between long-term investment and customer bills?
- Should a single social tariff be introduced covering all water companies in England and Wales?
- What is the customer experience of the water sector? How well do water companies perform in relation to their obligations to customers?