A seasonal water tariff trial, which has provoked outcry amongst residents forced to take part, has been challenged by Torbay Councillors who backed residents’ concerns.
3,500 businesses and homes have been selected by South West Water to take part in a scheme which will see the price they pay for their water reduced in winter, but significantly increased in the summer months. It was claimed the aim of the trial is to reduce water usage via increasing the cost of using water, yet South West Water has confirmed all properties selected were already fitted with water meters.
A representative from the water company appeared before Torbay Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Board to answer questions about the trial and hear Councillor’s concerns. It was revealed 347 Torbay homes are being forced to take part in the new charging scheme. The trial started on 1st October, but the price to be paid next summer will not be confirmed until February. South West Water conceded up to 45% of those involved will pay more, for the same amount of water usage, under the trial.
Following close questioning, it emerged Torbay’s Lib Dem MP had been offered a bespoke briefing by South West Water ahead of the trial starting, whilst Torbay Council, local Councillors, businesses and residents were not consulted. The trial has been supported by national regulator OFWAT, but the Cross-Party panel of Councillors voted to write to the Chief Executive of South West Water expressing their concerns over the way the trial has been implemented.
Ahead of the meeting a group of residents and Cllr Hazel Foster joined a protest outside Torquay Town Hall. Cllr Hazel Foster has been spearheading demands for the trial to be halted and changes made, including allowing residents to decide if they wish to be part of this new tariff. Cllr Hazel Foster (Con, Wellswood) said: “Residents are right to be angry about being placed on a new water tariff without meaningful consultation or the right to opt out, they have not even been told what they will be charged next summer. South West Water must go back to the drawing board and cancel this unfair experiment.”
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