UK water companies face higher compensation penalties

British water companies that fail to meet key service standards may soon be required to pay higher compensation to affected customers, according to new government proposals announced on Monday.

The measures would double the compensation for failures such as not providing notice of supply interruptions or missing arranged appointments.

The proposals also suggest expanding the criteria for compensation to include automatic payments for “boil notices,” where customers must boil water before using it.

Environment Minister Steve Reed criticised the water industry, citing years of underinvestment and increasing public dissatisfaction over issues like sewage pollution.

The Environment Agency recently highlighted that most water companies are failing to meet basic service standards, prompting the government to consider stricter regulations.

Jenny Suggate of the Consumer Council for Water welcomed the proposed changes, stating that higher standards and increased compensation would push companies to improve their services. The plans are now open for an eight-week public consultation.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama