Mishandled complaints by water firm risk £47m rise

Southern Water is facing the prospect of being fined millions of pounds for mishandling customer complaints.

Shareholders could also be penalised after managers of the water company admitted they have failed to report thousands of delays in responding to customers' queries.

Industry Watchdog Ofwat announced last Thursday that it will penalise the company for failing to achieve performance standards.

Ofwat can fine the company up to ten per cent of its annual turnover- in 2004/5 Southern Water made 468m and now faces fines of up to 47m.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette, April 5