THE number of customer complaints to Southern Water has significantly decreased.

Over the last two years, the water provider received a 40 percent drop in complaints and has been named as one of the UK's top companies for handling issues from customers by the Institute of Customer Service.

They were the only utility to make the top ten for complaint handling in July 2019.

Head of Billing and Collections Mark Field said: "We are incredibly proud of our achievement as being recognised as one of the top ten companies by the Institute of Customer Service for complaint handling.

"This is testament to the hard work delivered over the past four years which has focused on improving the customer experience through focussing on proactive customer case management and making improvements across our billing and operational front line service."

The company has helped over 195,000 customers through schemes and tariffs designed to support those in need.

Southern Water plan to reduce bills as well as provide more support for vulnerable customers as part of their Water for Life scheme, which involves taking steps to ensure clean, affordable water is available in future.

To find out more, visit https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-plans-2020-25.