Research shows over 60s struggle to pay water bills

A survey of 1,000 consumers recently revealed that the over 60s were the age group most likely to fall into debt with their water company, with 30% of the age group reporting that they regularly struggle to pay their water bill. This compares with just 16% of 30-39 year olds, 10% of 40-49 year olds and 5% of 50-59 year olds.

This research highlights the effects of six consecutive years of record low interest rates, which have dented older savers' returns. Sending in ill-informed debt collectors using single strategy processes is not however the appropriate solution for water companies to take in order to recover monies owed.

Grosvenor Services Group, a part of Echo Managed Services is urging businesses to think more carefully about how they treat those in arrears and calling for a fairer approach to debt collection, particularly amongst more vulnerable customer groups.

Lloyd Birkhead, Managing Director of Echo's debt collection agency Grosvenor Services had this to say following the research findings:

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