§ David WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council provide more staff at the Energywatch office in Birmingham to deal with calls and inquiries. [18663]
§ Mr. WilsonIt is for Energywatch to determine, within the budget agreed with the Department, the staffing levels required for it to carry out its duties under the Utilities Act 2000 and the particular activities identified in its Forward Work Programme. Energywatch is aware of the importance of responding in a timely and efficient manner to inquiries and complaints and is working to improve its response times further. Over the next coming months, a one-stop lo-call telephone number for all gas and electricity consumers, and a more sophisticated call management system that will reduce the time it takes consumers to reach a consumer adviser will be installed at Energywatch's Birmingham and other regional offices, which will be fully operational by May 2002.