YOUR report 'Water watchdog raps move to trim rebate' (LET, February 12) omitted a number of facts which might be of interest to your readers.

North West Water led the industry in introducing the idea of giving rebates to customers and is one of only three water companies which continues to pay them.

The rebate is part of a wider benefit-sharing package which includes improvement to services and investment in areas of concern to customers such as poor water pressure, sewer flooding or smells from wastewater treatment works.

In 1995, we committed ourselves to paying a minimum rebate of £6.50 up to the year 2000 and we have maintained this level, despite the introduction of the windfall tax and unanticipated costs to the company such as the prolonged drought.

When we increased the rebate to £10 last year, we explained to Ofwat that this would be reviewed annually.

Efficiency savings are shared fifty-fifty between customers and shareholders.

As a result of our review this year, we have maintained our £6.50 rebate and reduced real dividend growth for shareholders down to six per cent.

Charges for water and waste water services in the North West remain among the lowest in England and Wales.

SUE WRIGHT, Media Relations Manager, North West Water.

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