Regulators have approved significant increases in household water bills in England and Wales over the next five years, sparking anger from consumer groups. The average increase will be £157, with some firms facing even larger hikes. This decision comes amidst criticism of water companies for their poor records on sewage spills and water leaks. The government has pledged to reform the sector to address these issues.
Regulators have allowed water firms to raise bills significantly over the next five years. PA news agency asks why, and explains what happens next.
The plans include how far they can increase bills over the period, plus how much they will spend on upgrading drains, sewers and reservoirs. At the other end of the scale, Sutton and East Surrey Water bills will go down by an average of £6 over the next five years.Water firms face huge problems with their drains, reservoirs and sewers, leading to vast amounts of pollution spilling into rivers and waterways.Because they are privatised, they also want to turn a profit so they can keep getting more investment from shareholders.
But it actually gave firms higher bill increases than they asked for in their original business plans submitted in early 2024.
WATER BILLS REGULATION SEWAGE SPILLS WATER LEAKS ENVIRONMENT
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