SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies has criticised utility companies for failing their customers.

He said in comparison to other sectors, the utilities sector was lagging behind in customer service.

Mr Davies, who is the joint chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Customer Services, demanded answers from sector bosses at a meeting in Westminster.

During a question and answer session he chaired, he also suggested giving more decision-making responsibilities and authority to front line staff to improve the customer service record.

He aimed his attack specifically at energy companies but pointed out he also gets complaints from constituents about Yorkshire Water.

Members of the utilities sector attended the group's meeting and will return again to answer further questions.

Mr Davies said: “The Institute of Customer Service found the utility sector to be bottom in its annual survey, and I know from the many cases referred to me by constituents that the utilities sector has an unacceptable customer service record.

"I get loads and loads of complaints about energy companies and bills and prices are an issue for people.

"Some people complain to me that their bills were calculated wrongly.

"There are just a catalogue of issues.

“That is why the All Party Parliamentary Group on Customer Service, that I jointly chair with Labour MP Steve Reed, decided to bring in the utilities sector to our meeting.

“I think they understood the scale of the problem and the depth of our concern and I welcome their acknowledgement that they need to do better.

“I look forward to them coming before the All Party Group again so that we can keep their feet to the fire.”

Mr Davies, who worked in customer service for ASDA for a number of years before becoming an MP, acknowledged he has not received as many complaints from residents about Yorkshire Water and added it often deals with any complaints efficiently.

A spokesman for Bradford-based Yorkshire Water told the Telegraph & Argus: "Our aim is to provide an outstanding quality of service and put our customers at the heart of the business.

"We're pleased to see that Mr Davies has recognised that we do everything possible to resolve customer complaints once they have come through to us.

"The latest industry figures show that last year the number of written complaints to us fell by more than 15 per cent but we're aware there is always more we can do and will endeavour to keep improving our customer service."