REallt peeved with Watchdog's interview tieh the regulator

ballisticbrian

Why?

Because it's getting like a non-stop record, the phrase "it's what the customer wants"

I'm sorry but that is really lame.

The customer demands buckets of cold water when they want it. Cold water that is safe to drink.

That is it.

The customer doesn't want state of the art computer systems, call centers, multi million pound sallaries... nothing.

The customer wants cold, safe water.

I am so annoyed that the regulator just regurgitated the monopolised industry sad and lame taunts, "it's what the customer wants"


"It's what the customer wants"


You want to tell us that so many times we might believe it.?

dogshome

Agree - If I hadn't been told the woman was from the regulator, I'd have thought she was a mouthpiece put up by the Water Cos. Trade Assn.

Cardew

I believe the lady was Regina Finn who is Chief Executive of Ofwat.

Much as it is difficult for anyone faced with the incredibly rude Anne Robinson, I thought her performance on behalf of Ofwat was pathetic.

Water companies are in a win/win situation, no competition and the ability to pay themselves £million salaries and their share prices rise and rise.

All Ms Finn seemed to say was that Ofwat are powerful. Really?

dogshome

Just slightly off subject

All too often I find myself frustrated with Watchdog's handling of consumer issues,and the Water costs item was typical of the shallow research on which watchdog based an item of national concern.

The BBC have the same budget constraints as all other broadcasters, yet every week they elect to fund film crews working for god knows how long on the 'Rogue Traders' feauture, which is at best is only of value to viewers who live in the immediate area of the highlighted business, whilst water costs that affect the entire country had a few minutes airtime based on back office research, that was so shallow it appeared to have been done by the most junior member of staff

Where were the statistics for France, Germany & Spain etc ? The reference to low water loss in country that had, had piped water for only 10 years, stank of a 'Fixed' easy question to the Regulator to make them look good

Norman_Castle

All too often I find myself frustrated with Watchdog's handling of consumer issues,and the Water costs item was typical of the shallow research on which watchdog based an item of national concern.

Watchdog is an entertainment programme. Anne Robinson is just part of the pantomime.

dogshome

Hmmm - Entertainment programme? - You're probably quite right

Silly me - Next week I'll watch an old repeat of 'Fools & Horses' instead

Crabman

I didn't initially realise she was from OfWAT.

Thought she was a representative of the privatised water industry... certainly sounded like it.

ballisticbrian

Crabman wrote: »

I didn't initially realise she was from OfWAT.

Thought she was a representative of the privatised water industry... certainly sounded like it.

The phrase "it's what the customer of today demands" or such like, seems to be a buzz word, corporations banter around.

It of similar ilk to the green-washing we see going on.

Saying a complete un-truth, but hoping that it's got good sound-bites in it to tickle people's ears.


Another item mentioned on the same programme was ink cartridges. Not covered by the program was a case in the Netherlands where EPSON were being investigated for making their cartridges run out before they were empty - and they came up with the same tripe that they had surveyed customers and found they wanted 100% ease of use and reliability.

YOU CAN GET CUSTOMERS TO SAY ANYTHING IN A SURVEY (sorry about shouting)

So - water regulator - have you had your ears tickled and are SUCKING up the tripe of the water bosses?
No-one have asked me what we want. Telling people, that it's what the customer aka "they", or telling people what *they* want is not only condecending but is easy to see is hogwash.

thor

ballisticbrian wrote: »

I am so annoyed that the regulator just regurgitated the monopolised industry sad and lame taunts, "it's what the customer wants"


"It's what the customer wants"


You want to tell us that so many times we might believe it.?

To think she is getting a wage for acting as an apologist for the water companies. Benefit scroungers get slated for claiming money while not working so is this women any better? I don't believe her statement that ofwat has saved money for the customer. The other utility watchdogs are no better either.