United Utilities puts £2m into fund for poor customers

Aug 4 2008

Water firm United Utilities is to pump an additional £2 million a year into its fund for struggling customers, it was announced today.

The company, which manages water and wastewater distribution in the North East of England, will now donate a total of £5 million per annum to the charity.

It will go towards helping families with serious financial problems, giving them a one-off opportunity to clear their debts.

To date the fund has received a total of £15 million since being established five years ago. United Utilities already donates £3 million a year, with today’s pledge moving the annual contribution to £5 million.

The additional cash will come from the firm’s group profits.

In this year’s annual report, United Utilities posted operating profits of £663 million.

Speaking today, Brian Hurd, customer services director at United Utilities, said: “We have increased our donation because we realise the current economic climber is causing difficulties for a growing number of people.

“Gas, electricity and water are not immune from rising prices and the fund is here to give customers with genuine financial problems, often caused through no fault of their own, the chance of a fresh start.”