Progress on fairer water bills - Message from Julia Goldsworthy MP
Posted by Julia Goldsworthy, MP for Falmouth and Camborne, at 14:03, Mon 7 September 2009:
Dear Resident,
The need for more affordable water bills has been the theme of the summer. At long last it seems is some progress on an issue that has left many households across Cornwall struggling to meet the cost of their water and sewerage charges since the utility was privatised in the 80s.
Firstly, OFWAT (the water regulator) has recommended that South West Water bill-payers get a reduction in their bills over the next five years - a welcome change from the above inflation increases we have seen in the past. It is an important step in the right direction – but the campaign must continue to address the structural unfairness that leaves 3% of the population paying to maintain 30% of the country's coastline.
The opportunity for action to tackle this part of the problem lies with Anna Walker, who is currently writing a report for the government on water affordability. Her draft recommendations put forward practical suggestions to keep bills down for those on the lowest incomes. But as yet, there are no firm proposals to put an end to the unfair burden that South West Water customers currently shoulder.
Last week, I submitted my own response to her draft recommendations, pressing that our coastline is a national treasure - and the financial burden of maintaining it should be spread accordingly. If you’d like to receive a copy of my submission, please just let me know.
I’ll be doing all I can to ensure this recommendation not only makes it into the final report, but actually gets acted upon. This important document must not be allowed to sit on a shelf gathering dust.
My next advice surgery will be on Tuesday 8th September at 12 noon in Penryn Town Hall. If there is anything you wish to raise with me, please don’t hesitate to be in touch – I will be pleased to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Julia Goldsworthy
Liberal Democrat MP for Falmouth and Camborne 75 Trelowarren St, Camborne, TR14 8AL Tel: 01209 716110 www.juliagoldsworthy.org
P.S. I send out regular emails along similar lines to those who like to be kept up-to-date with my work. If you are interested in receiving these emails, please let me know by emailing info@juliagoldsworthy.org
The small print: While Julia Goldsworthy MP will treat as confidential any information which you pass on to her, she will allow staff and authorised volunteers to help and advise you. The MP may pass all or some information to agencies such as the DWP, HMRC and local Council if this is necessary to help with your case. She may also write to you from time to time to keep you informed on issues that you may find of interest. Please let her know in writing if you do not wish to be contacted for that purpose.
Comments
Commenting on this message is now disabled.
Posted by Nigel Lawrence, 15:19, Mon 7 September 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Iam fully behind my MP in this matter. This is an issue that should have been acted on a long time ago, and with julia's and Anna's input hopefully people living in the poorer parts of the country, but with the most coastline, can be treated fairly.
Nigel Lawrence
Posted by John Gray, 19:24, Mon 7 September 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Please do not contact me again, any further contact from you or your office will be construed as harrasement.
John Gray