Trust in water companies falls to new low

HOUSEHOLDS' trust in water companies has fallen to a new low amid a sewage crisis and rising bills, an annual survey has found.

- JOSIE CLARKE

Fewer households - 53%, down 2% on last year to another all-time low - also believe the amount water companies charge is fair, according to the Consumer Council for Water's (CCW) annual Water Matters study.

The poll, which was taken before households were told they would face an unprecedented rise in water bills from April, found less than two thirds of households (65%) are satisfied that they receive value for money for their water service, down 4% on a year ago.

After sliding to its lowest-ever level last year, the overall trust score for water companies fell again to 6.28 out of 10, despite the majority of companies improving their score.

However, these improvements were overshadowed by the poor performance of a few companies including Thames Water (5.12 out of 10) and South West Water (5.42 out of 10) - the two least trusted suppliers.