MPs Challenge OFWAT Chief to Visit Cornwall

3.11.51pm GMT Thu 15th Mar 2007

Following a meeting at the House of Commons Liberal Democrat MPs challenged the Chief Executive of OFWAT to come to Cornwall and explain how South West Water were permitted to increase bills by 17 percent. Ms Regina Finn the newly appointed Chief Executive accepted the invitation from Colin Breed MP and Julia Goldsworthy MP and it is hoped that this invitation will be fulfilled in the next few months.

Speaking Afterwards Colin Breed MP for South East Cornwall said - "We explained in blunt language that many people in Cornwall now find water unaffordable particularly when taking into account Council Tax and energy bills. I felt it was appropriate for Ms Finn to come to Cornwall and explain just how OFWAT are looking after the interest of water consumers in Cornwall ."

Julia Goldsworthy MP for Falmouth and Camborne said -

"I was very disappointed that the Chief Executive appeared to overlook the issue of water unaffordability. The recent price hike means that an increasing number of people are now spending more than 5% of their incomes on water bills. This is clearly unsustainable and I look forward to welcoming Ms Regina Finn to the county so that she can see, firsthand, the effects that high water bills are having on people living in Cornwall ."