24/01/12
Defra has launched a consultation on how to tackle the growing problem of water debt, which adds £15 to the bills of all customers.
We agree with the Environment Minister, Richard Benyon MP, that it is just not right that responsible people have to pick up the bills of those who are not paying.
The problem is that water companies don’t have the right information on who is liable for charges, particularly for rented properties where occupancy changes frequently. This makes it harder for companies to tackle the debt problem.
That’s why the government should implement as soon as possible a requirement for landlords to provide information to water companies on who is liable for charges.
The water industry will make it straightforward for landlords to provide information to water companies by setting up an easy to use website, but the alternative voluntary approach proposed by the government just won’t work.
Tackling bad debt in the water industry
Defra consultation
