Water companies that fail their customers will have to hand over higher compensation to affected households and businesses under plans announced by the government today
An eight week consulation begins with proposals that include that compensation would be doubled where water companies failed to meet key standards to which customers were legally entitled, such as failing to provide notice of supply interruptions and missing arranged appointments
It would mean payments rise from £20 to £40 for many breaches and up to £2,000 if sewers back up and flood a property
It would also expand the circumstances that would trigger compensation, with automatic payments for so-called boil notices when water must be boiled before it can be drunk or used for cooking.
“Our water industry is broken,” said environment minister Steve Reed. “After years of failure, households and businesses have been let down by water companies time and time again.” adding
“The new Government will clean up the water industry and turn the tide on the destruction of our waterways ensuring water companies protect the interests of their customers and the environment,”
