A CONSUMER group has welcomed a decision on the amount water companies can charge customers between 2015 and 2020.

The Consumer Council for Water said the decision by the regulator Ofwat represented a significant victory for the voice of the customer.

Ofwat confirmed the average household water and sewerage bill will fall by approximately five per cent from £396 in 2014/15 to £376 by 2020, before inflation is added.

Tony Smith, chief executive of CCWater, said: “This is good news and a victory for most water customers whose views have shaped water pricing more than ever before. Most water companies and the regulator have listened to customers and delivered a deal which reflects the services they want, at a price most find acceptable.”

“However, customers need to be aware that water companies are allowed to add inflation to bills each year, which means charges are still likely to rise from what they are now.

“That will hurt some households. Support exists for customers who are struggling to pay, and we will be pressing every water company to ensure these schemes reach those who need help.”

Last Friday’s announcement marks the end of a long process which has seen CCWater and customer challenge groups2 negotiating hard with water companies and Ofwat to deliver a deal on price, service and investment that reflects what customers accept and can afford.