Households face biggest surge in water bills in nearly 20 years as average charge is set to soar by 7.5%
- Bills nationally will rise by an average of 7.5 per cent from April 1 – £31 per year
- But some firms like Southern Water will increase bills by around 10.8 per cent
Water bills are set to surge at the fastest rate in almost 20 years, with some firms imposing a rise of more than 10 per cent.
Nationally bills will rise by an average of 7.5 per cent from April 1, representing an annual increase of £31 to £448.
However, the amounts actually paid by households will vary significantly depending on their water company, their property type and whether they have a water meter.
Consumer groups say the increases will hit customers hard as soaring food and energy prices push up the average annual household bill by another £500 from April.
Water bills are set to surge at the fastest rate in almost 20 years, with some firms imposing a rise of more than 10 per cent (file image)
Southern Water, which was fined a record £90million for dumping sewage into the seas off the south coast, will increase bills by around 10.8 per cent. On average, the annual bill will go up by £43 to £439.
The second highest increase is for Anglian with bills up by an average of 10.5 per cent – £47 – to £492.
Thames Water, which has sparked controversy for polluting rivers and failing to tackle leaks, is set to increase bills by 9.3 per cent. The average will rise by £39 to £456.
The highest bills in England and Wales come from Wessex Water, which covers much of the south coast. Bills are going up by 9 per cent – £42 – to £504.
South West Water, which covers Cornwall and Devon, would charge a higher £527 but customers benefit from an annual £50 discount funded by the Government.
Southern Water, which was fined a record £90million for dumping sewage into the seas off the south coast, will increase bills by around 10.8 per cent
Emma Clancy, chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said the increases ‘could prove a tipping point’ for struggling customers. She added: ‘These increases will bring more uncertainty to struggling households at a time when they can’t be certain they will get the help they need.
‘Low-income households need immediate relief and the long-term security of knowing their water bill will be affordable.’
Jess Cook, the water poverty lead at National Energy Action, also called on the Government to lower tariffs for struggling households.
She added: ‘Discounted water bills for those struggling to pay can stop the most vulnerable from cutting back or running up debt when they can ill afford to do so.’
However, the industry trade body, Water UK, said the increases would average around just 60p a week.
Director of policy Stuart Colville said that companies understand that ‘any increase is unwelcome’, adding that they will be releasing an extra £200million to help those in need.
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