YOUR readers may be aware of my recently launched campaign 'Save Water, Save Money' in and across the South West Region. Water conservation should be an important priority for our region. Already this year we have heard stories in the South West about farmers who cannot water their crops and prices being pushed higher. Homeowners and water consumers need to take an active role in how they use their water – what they use their water for making changes and how to increase their water efficiency.
The average household bill in 2008-09 for water and sewerage was £330 (the average water bill is £157 and the average sewerage bill is £174). This is an increase in real terms of 44 per cent since 1989 (Ofwat).
Consumers in the Southwest should be given a say in how utility companies spend money if schemes they undertake are likely to lead to massive price rices, it has been suggested.
Statistics from the Consumer Council of Water show that average bills across the South West region are expected to hit £483 in 2001 – significantly higher than anywhere else in the country. We need to press water companies to ensure that consumers are getting a fair deal. I encourage readers to sign up to my online campaign at http://www.juliegirling.com">www.juliegirling.com and see how they can save water and money. – Julie Girling MEP.