WIREDGOV

Water company customers and stakeholders will have the chance to question and challenge water companies’ future plans in public meetings, set to take place online over the next three months.

Ofwat and CCW have required all water companies in England and Wales to hold Your water, your say events in the run-up to next Price Review period (PR24).

The Your water, your say sessions are open to all, including customers, businesses, environmental groups and other stakeholders who will be given the opportunity to ask a question, raise a concern and provide feedback on each company’s business plan for the 2025 – 2030 period.

It is important that customers and communities have their say on the key issues that companies should be taking into account, before they submit business plans to Ofwat later this year.

Aileen Armstrong, Ofwat Senior Director, Company Performance and Price Reviews, said:

“We encourage anyone who wants to find out more about what their local water company is planning for the future, for the benefit of customers and the environment, to register online and put your point directly to the people in charge of your local drinking water and sewage services. This your chance to influence these plans.”

Later in the year, companies will hold a second open session to allow companies to show customers how their feedback has been incorporated in their plans and long-term delivery strategies.

Further information and details on how to register for each meeting, as they become confirmed, is available on the Ofwat website: www.ofwat.gov.uk/your-water-your-say. Meetings confirmed include Anglian Water (30 March), Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water (6 April),Severn Trent (17 April) and SES Water (25 April).

Mike Keil, CCW’s Senior Director for Policy, Research and Campaigns, said:

“It’s important that companies are upfront and clear about how they are going to invest to tackle the pressures confronting the services we depend on and the environment. These investments will be funded by customers so it’s vital people and communities are given an early opportunity to influence companies’ planning and ensure it reflects their priorities and ambitions.

“The online meetings are a chance to put your questions directly to your company on matters close to your heart – whether that’s efforts to enhance rivers and coastal waters or keeping water bills affordable. It’s your water – make sure you have your say.”

The sessions will be chaired by an independent moderator and are open to everyone. Each water company will hold its first meeting by end-June and registration will be open for six weeks in advance.

More meeting dates and registration links will be added to the Ofwat website and CCW website as they are confirmed. Those wishing to attend a meeting will be required to register on the water company website.