Business
Complaints to watchdog about water firms jump 84%
Many complaints were about affordability, after customers saw steep hikes to bills.
BBC Business•
The number of complaints made by households about water companies to the industry watchdog has risen by a record 84% in a year, driven by customer concern and confusion over rising bills.
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) said the year-on-year increase was the highest in its 20-year history and showed "just how dissatisfied" many people were.
Water customers in England and Wales have been hit with steep price hikes in recent years. The regulator Ofwat has also allowed firms to put up bills by 36% between 2025 and 2030.
David Bird, retail director at Thames, apologised to customers who "have not received the service they should expect".