A WATER watchdog is holding a seminar in Durham today to address debt and affordability.
Regional consumer group WaterVoice Northumbria's discussion will help to shape national policy on the issues.
Former Government Minister Joyce Quin, MP for Gateshead East and Washington West, will chair the session.
Those attending will include consumer representatives, local authorities, water companies, and those with concerns about water debt and the people affected by it.
Customers will receive annual water bills in the next few weeks. For customers of Northumbrian Water, these will show an average increase of £26, taking bills to £233.
Price levels for 2005-10 are still to be decided but are forecast to result in further rises.
These rises have prompted WaterVoice Northumbria to hold the event.
Andrea Cook, WaterVoice regional chairman, said: "The ability of some customers to pay their water bills, particularly those who are vulnerable, is of increasing concern. The current measures to safeguard those experiencing genuine difficulty are not effective."
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