Millions of households in England and Wales will see their water bills rise by an average of 26% from April 1, 2024, with some facing even steeper increases. This comes amid public criticism of water companies for sewage spills and under-investment in infrastructure.
Water bills for households in England and Wales are set to rise by an average of 26% from April 1, 2024, according to the latest figures. This translates to an increase of £123 for the average household, bringing the total bill to £603 per year. However, many customers will face even steeper hikes. Southern Water customers, for example, will see their bills jump by 47%, reaching an average of £703 per year.
Other water companies with significant increases include Hafren Dyfrdwy and South West Water (both 32%), Thames Water (31%), and Yorkshire Water (29%). The increases vary depending on factors such as whether a customer is metered and their water consumption.The increases announced by water companies are higher than those outlined by Ofwat in its new five-year price limits, which were released just before Christmas. These higher increases include the impact of inflation. They also come amid growing public concern about sewage spills and under-investment in water infrastructure over the past decade. Consumer Council for Water chief executive Mike Keil expressed concern, stating that these are the largest bill increases since water privatization and will put significant pressure on households already grappling with financial challenges. He emphasized the need for investment in improving water services and cleaning up rivers, but stressed that it should not come at an unsustainable cost to vulnerable households.James Wallace, chief executive of River Action, a campaign group, pointed out that the public is paying the price for decades of neglect by water companies. He argued that instead of addressing crumbling infrastructure, companies have accumulated billions in debt, leading to sewage-polluted rivers and exorbitant bill increases. Charles Watson, also from River Action, added that shareholders in these companies are profiting at the expense of consumers. Water UK, the trade association for the water industry, stated that companies will invest around £20 billion from April 2025 to March 2026, the highest ever single-year expenditure. This investment, part of a five-year £104 billion program running until 2030, aims to build nine new reservoirs and nine new water transfer schemes, upgrade wastewater treatment works to reduce pollution, and improve and protect over 15,000 kilometers of rivers across England and Wales. Water UK also announced a £4.1 billion package over the next five years to support over three million households with their water bills
WATER BILL INCREASES UK WATER COMPANIES OFWAT SEWAGE SPILLS WATER INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Water Bills in England and Wales Soar by 26% Amid Infrastructure InvestmentAverage annual water bills in England and Wales are set to jump by 26% or £123 due to new pricing regulations aimed at funding essential infrastructure upgrades. Water UK, the industry body, confirmed the increases, which will take effect from April 1st, 2025.
Read more »
Water Bills in England and Wales Surge by an Average of 26%Average household water bills in England and Wales will see a significant increase from April 1st, with the average bill rising by £123, or 26%. This increase, driven by the need for infrastructure investment and inflation, will impact millions of households across the country.
Read more »
Water Bills in England and Wales Soar by Over £120Millions of households in England and Wales face a substantial increase in their annual water bills, with an average rise of £123 from April 1. While Water UK highlights record investments in infrastructure, the Consumer Council for Water warns of the impact on struggling households and calls for stronger financial support.
Read more »
Water Bills Soar by Over 25% in England and Wales: 'Daylight Robbery' ClaimsWater bills in England and Wales are set to increase by over 25% next year, adding an average of £123 to the annual bill. This significant hike, the largest in three decades, has been met with criticism from campaigners, who argue that it is unfair given that water suppliers have paid out billions to shareholders while polluting rivers. The price increase, confirmed by the industry body Water UK, will take the average water and wastewater bill from £480 to £603 for the coming year alone. Millions of households will face even steeper increases.
Read more »
Household Bills Set to Soar by £270 by AprilSky News analysis reveals that typical household bills are projected to increase by nearly £270 by April. Rising costs for energy, water, and council tax will outpace inflation, placing further strain on family budgets. The first increase will take effect from New Year's Day, with the energy price cap rising for the second time this winter.
Read more »
Severn Trent Offers Up to 70% Discount on Water Bills for Eligible CustomersSevern Trent encourages customers to explore available financial support options, including potential discounts of up to 70% on water bills. The company emphasizes its commitment to affordable water services and offers various assistance programs, such as debt help, flexible payment plans, and capped bills for low-income households, those with medical conditions, or large families.
Read more »