A TOP-level conference aimed at putting the spotlight on the links between poverty and the privatisation of utility companies was held in Lancashire yesterday.

About 150 delegates took part in the conference, organised jointly by the County Council and the National Local Government Forum Against Poverty.

Shadow energy spokesman John Battle MP and Gregory Palast, an American expert on utility regulation, were among the speakers.

County council leader Louise Ellman and welfare rights and anti-poverty chairman Frank McKenna were also at the conference along with community activist Maureen Dunwoody.

Mrs Dunwoody has been heavily involved in the campaign against the controversial water pre-payment meters.

Louise Ellman said: "Privatisation of the utilities like gas, water and electricity has brought hardship to many domestic consumers and at the same time profits have soared. "Lancashire County Council is committed to action against poverty. We have already mounted a legal challenge to stop water companies, including North West Water, installing pre-payment water devices which can cut off water supplies, posing a threat to public health."

Gregory Palast added: "The British public pays excessive prices and receives poor service because of the national cult of official and corporate secrecy.

"That ability to overcharge customers, cut off service to the poor and keep accounts secret has attracted US companies.

"The Americans see UK companies making unconscionable profits - and they want some."

Blackburn Council slammed North West Water last week after it was revealed 10 families in the borough with the pre-payment devices had their supplies cut off.

The company recently suspended the controversial scheme following a lengthy campaign.

And local authorities across the country have also joined forces to challenge the scheme in the courts.

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