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Media centre
Ofwat is inviting views on its proposed work plan for the next three years, an important period of transition for both the water industry and the regulator. The proposals set out in Ofwat's draft forward programme cover the main areas of the regulator's work in the coming three year period to 2006-07. A major part of the programme is taken up with reviewing and setting water company price limits for the five-year period 2005-10. The draft forward programme also outlines how the Water Bill will change Ofwat's role as economic regulator of the water industry, and the way it will deal with new legislation on competition. It also highlights the transition of WaterVoice to become the independent voice of the consumer. Companies' final business plans for the next five year period will form the basis for draft price limits to be published in July 2004. Final price limits will be announced in November 2004 after consultation with all the interested parties, including WaterVoice. While Ofwat must, by law, set price limits as high as they need to be to enable efficient companies to finance and run their businesses, the Director assures customers that he is concerned to protect customers of this monopoly industry. He will set prices no higher than they have to be. Before Ofwat finalises and publishes its Forward Programme, in April 2004, it is likely that the Water Bill, currently before Parliament, will have passed into law. This will introduce changes to Ofwat's constitution, involving the establishment of a regulatory authority, an independent consumer council and development of the regulator's objectives and duties. These changes will be implemented after completion of the periodic review in 2005. Ofwat welcomes comments on its Draft Forward Programme from customers, water companies, business, consumer and environmental groups. The consultation period closes on 30 January 2004. Notes to Editors: 1. A copy of the 'Ofwat Forward Programme 2004-05 to 2006-07:Draft for consultation', is available free of charge on Ofwat's website: (www.ofwat.gov.uk) or from the Ofwat library (0121 625 1373). 2. Responses should be sent to Roger Dunshea, Director of Operations, Office of Water Services, Centre City Tower, Hill Street, Birmingham B5 4UA (fax: 0121-625 3609), or by e-mail to Forwardprog@ofwat.gsi.gov.uk to arrive no later than 5.00pm on 30 January 2004. 3. Ofwat will place all responses in the Ofwat library unless they are clearly marked "confidential". 4. Philip Fletcher, the Director General of Water Services (the Director), is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales. He exercises his powers in a way that he judges will allow them to carry out their functions properly, and finance them. WaterVoice represents customers' interests. MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO OFWAT PRESS OFFICE ON: 0121 625 1416/1496/1442 Out of hours enquiries to pager: 08700 555 500 water 503/509. Ofwat publications and press notices can be found on Ofwat's website at: www.ofwat.gov.uk  | ||||||
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