Rankings for efficiency spark angry protests from the 'laggards'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE WATER industry is expected to cut operating expenditure on existing services by 2 per cent a year for the next five years and 1 per cent between 2000 and 2005. Lower standards as a result of the cuts will not be tolerated.
Ofwat said scope for lower costs came from the ability of the less efficient firms to catch up with those which had already tried to trim excess fat.
However, Mr Byatt caused an outcry by singling out some companies as laggards in his report on price control.
Northumbrian Water fared worst, among the least efficient in both water and sewerage, with South West Water also at the bottom of the list of efficiency in its sewerage business.
Mike Taylor, finance director of Northumbrian Water, said: 'We are annoyed and astounded by the report on our efficiency.' He claimed the company had done much to cut costs while improving service and was perplexed at its place in the league table.
Among the 10 large water and sewerage companies the most efficient are North West Water and Yorkshire Water and many of the smaller, statutory or water only, companies also win approval.
Mr Byatt said companies should welcome the challenge to improve. 'Efficient water companies will be held in high regard by both their shareholders and their customers,' he added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments