Water companies trigger 'deeply concerning' 84% surge in complaints to industry watchdog

Complaints to the Consumer Council for Water have surged by 84%, marking the most significant year-on-year increase in the watchdog's 20-year history. This deeply concerning rise was primarily fuelled by inflation-busting price hikes implemented by water companies in April last year. Consequently, there has been a sharp increase in the volume of grievances submitted both directly to the firms and to the industry regulator, reflecting widespread consumer dissatisfaction with the recent pricing adjustments across the sector.