Ofwat Empowers Fines on Water Companies for Poor Customer Service

The UK water regulator's new license condition allows for fines up to 10% of turnover, aiming to address declining customer satisfaction.

Ofwat introduces a new license condition to fine water companies up to 10% of their turnover for subpar customer service, following a report on declining satisfaction levels.
The initiative receives support from the Environment Secretary and the Consumer Council for Water, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift within companies.
Critics, including the Liberal Democrats, argue the fines should benefit affected customers directly, rather than going to the Treasury.
Recent incidents of water outages and poor communication have highlighted the need for improved customer service in the water sector.
Ofwat's CEO asserts the new fines are part of broader measures to drive better performance and hold companies accountable.