Energywatch and Postwatch

In 2000, two new consumer bodies, the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (Energywatch) and the Consumer Council for Postal Services (Postwatch), were established to represent the views of consumers, to investigate consumer complaints, and to provide advice and information services. Following on from the National Audit Office report (HC 1076, session 2003-04, ISBN 0102929793) published in October 2004, the Committee's report examines the effectiveness of the postal and energy watchdogs in their role of promoting and protecting the interests of consumers. Overall, the Committee is unimpressed with the achievements of either watchdog; the level of consumer complaints has remained high with low consumer recognition of their role, whilst operating costs have escalated. The Committee's report makes a number of recommendations designed to encourage improvement in performance and to reduce costs.