Consumer Council Slams NI Water

The Consumer Council is "withdrawing" from the Water Stakeholders Partnership Agreement due to a breakdown in trust with Northern Ireland Water, (NIW).

Its Chief Executive, Antoinette McKeown, said a series of revelations about NIW in recent months has undermined its relationship with the Consumer Council

She said all meetings must now be held on a more formal basis and suggested that consumers are confused about what is happening at the company.

As a result, the Consumer Council Chairperson, Rick Hill and Ms McKeown informed NIW's Interim Chair, Padraic White and Chief Executive, Laurence MacKenzie and Department for Regional Development (DRD) Minister Conor Murphy of the decision at separate meetings.

Ms McKeown said: "This decision was not an easy one but we felt we had no choice. The Partnership Agreement is not working for the consumer. We've a statutory duty to support consumers. When the Partnership Agreement does not work to represent the views and concerns of consumers, then we have no option but to withdraw from it.

"Trust has broken down between some of the partners in the Partnership Agreement.

"This isn't about the Consumer Council; it is about consumers not having a full and accurate picture and that is simply not right.

"Until such times as we can be assured that the Partnership Agreement will be honoured and trust restored by all stakeholders agreeing to be transparent in their dealings, we cannot be a part of it."

Conor Murphy set up the Water Stakeholders Partnership Agreement in 2008 to include himself, DRD Water Policy Division, NI Water, Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Ms McKeown concluded: "There is a need for clarity and certainty. NIW's shortcomings and failings are well documented.

"The Consumer Council wants to ensure that any action the Minister takes is in the interest of consumers and protects the vast investment in water that has been made in recent years.

"The bottom line is the need to deliver water services in a way that is open, transparent, fair and affordable. We will continue to work towards delivering this for consumers."

(CD/GK)