Consumer Council for Water (CCW), an independent representative of household and business water consumers in England and Wales, has launched a consultation on their draft blueprint for 2021 to 2024.
The draft strategy sets out CCW’s mission, strategic objectives and campaigns for the next three years.
To deliver their mission to ‘secure a fair deal for water consumers now and in the future’, the blueprint introduces CCW’s five key objectives:
- Affordable water for everyone
- Climate-resilient water and sewerage services for present and future consumers
- Services shaped by the views of consumers
- Services that meet everyone’s needs
- Effective and easy-to-follow complaint processes
The blueprint also sets out CCW’s four main campaigns which will prioritise CCW’s work for the next three years:
- End water poverty
- ‘Be in the know’ about available help
- CCW: A voice for your complaint
- End sewer flooding misery
Robert Light, Chair of CCW, stated in his introduction to the Strategy: “Dealing with the immediate difficulties posed by COVID-19 will not distract us from confronting the longer-term challenges facing the sector.
“In the past year we’ve seen further evidence of the pressure our growing population and increasingly volatile climate is putting on our water and sewerage services.
“Consumers expect water companies to meet these environmental challenges head-on through innovation and investment while keeping bills affordable in the short and long term.
“It’s a difficult balancing act but one that is more achievable if we ensure the voices of tomorrow’s customers – not just today’s – are heard and have a stake in the decisions that impact their future.
“Our three-year strategy will set us on a new course that will make us an even stronger advocate for consumers and an effective partner for positive change within the sector.
“We would really like to hear your views on our plans.”
Even though the CCW welcomes all feedback, suggested consultation questions include:
- Has CCW identified the right objectives for their work with water consumers?
- Is there anything key that CCW has missed?
- Are CCW’s campaigns focused in a way that will deliver meaningful change for water consumers?
- Will CCW deliver value for money?
The closing date for responses is 8th February 2021.
More information about the draft strategy and responding to the consultation is available on the CCW website.
