Starting this April, water bills in England and Wales are set to increase by an average of £33 per year. This uptick, equivalent to about £2.70 monthly, surpasses the current inflation rate of 3.4%, with a 5.4% rise.
In a move approved by regulator Ofwat, water companies have been granted permission to hike average bills by 36% over a five-year period up to 2030. This increase is crucial to finance a £104 billion investment program for infrastructure and prevent sewage spills, as highlighted by Water UK.
Water UK also mentioned that approximately 300,000 more households are expected to benefit from social tariffs in 2026/27, reaching a total of around 2.5 million. These social tariffs offer discounted rates for water and sewerage charges, with an anticipated average discount of 40%.
David Henderson, Chief Executive of Water UK, emphasized the necessity of the bill increases to support essential upgrades for water supplies, economic growth, and environmental protection. He assured that around 2.5 million households will receive significant discounts to alleviate the financial burden.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), acknowledged the growing concerns about water bill affordability and urged for transparency in expenditure to gain public trust. Chris Walters, Ofwat’s interim Chief Executive, emphasized the accountability of companies in delivering promised improvements and the availability of increased support for customers facing financial challenges.
To save on water bills, individuals are encouraged to adopt simple practices like reducing shower time and fixing leaky taps. Additionally, seeking water-saving devices and considering a water meter installation can contribute to cost savings in the long run.
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