Costs added to consumers' bills for infrastructure spending need to be fair and affordable

The Government’s approach to infrastructure spending needs to take account of whether the full cost to consumers is affordable now, and in the future says Citizens Advice.  The national charity has said the Public Accounts Committee is right to recommend that the Treasury assess the total cost for consumers.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“The Treasury needs to look at the total cost that is added to consumers' bills for spending on infrastructure which includes energy and water, and assess whether this is actually affordable now and in the future.

“Investment in infrastructure is important for the economy and to make sure our networks are reliable.  Spending in this area needs to be efficient and meet demand, with the costs spread in the fairest way for consumers.

“Questions need to be asked about the fairness of paying for infrastructure through bills.  Less well-off consumers spend more of their income on gas, electric and water bills than others, which in turn means costs for infrastructure makes up a larger share of their spending than other consumers.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.