Water bills are set to rise by as much as £71 and millions in April – see what you'll pay
MILLIONS of households will see their water and sewerage bills rise by up to £71 a year from April 1.
Wessex Water and Anglian Water are at the top end of the scale, with average bills set to rise to £548 and £529 respectively, while Northumbrian customers will see the lowest average bills of £422.
Water UK said companies would invest a record £14.4 billion in return for customers' money to ensure security of supply and “significantly reduce” the amount of sewage entering rivers and seas.
The increase comes amid continued regulators' concerns about dividends paid by water companies to shareholders, amid the cost-of-living crisis and public anger over sewage overflowing into the waters.
Water UK said bills rose less than in the previous financial year and argued they would be around £60 higher today if they had kept pace with inflation since 2014.
The money raised from higher bills would help build 10 new reservoirs, increase the capacity of dozens of wastewater treatment plants and get more than 1,200 miles of pipes repaired and replaced, the report said.
Companies would also boost support for low-income households to the highest level.
Water UK said the funds raised from the higher water bills were guaranteed to only fund improvements to the water and sewerage systems, and that the regulator would automatically reduce bills if they were not paid.
Water UK CEO David Henderson said: “Next year will see record levels of investment from water companies to safeguard the security of our water supply into the future and significantly reduce the amount of sewage entering rivers and seas.
“Customers across the country will see the results of this investment with more than 1,200 miles of pipes being repaired or replaced and more sewage treatment capacity than ever before.
“At the same time, customer support doubles: more than two million families are now helped with their bills.
“Anyone with concerns should contact their water company. It is worth remembering that water companies will never cut anyone off or make anyone use a prepayment meter.”
Ofwat chief executive David Black said: “While water bills will vary depending on each household's circumstances, the expected average increase for 2024/2025 will be £27.40, equivalent to around £2.30 per month.
“We are very aware that this will be a real concern for those who are already struggling.
“As such, water utilities must do everything they can to protect those who need help most.”
What water bill support is available?
According to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), more than two million households that are eligible for a discount on social water rates do not claim the savings offered.
Only 1.3 million households currently receive a social water tariff, an increase of 19% compared to the previous year.
And the average household that qualifies for the reduced water rates can reduce their bills by £160 a year.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme that allows you to reduce your bills if you have a low income. The CCW calls on customers to take advantage of this before their bills rise in April.
Who is eligible for assistance and the level of support offered varies depending on your water utility.
For example, customers of Thames Water, England's largest water company, can get a 50% discount on bills if their total household income is less than £17,005, or less than £21,749 in the London boroughs.
You can also get help if your water bill is more than 5% of your total household income.
Severn Trent customers have access to the Big Difference programme, which can deliver up to 70% off the average customer bill.
The scheme can offer a water bill reduction to Severn Trent customers with a household income less than £20,048.
Most suppliers also have a pot of money to hand out to thousands of customers under pressure from rising costs – and you don't have to pay that back.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds and provide a vital lifeline when faced with daunting water bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
For example, Thames Water has provided £500,000 in grants and helped almost 4,000 households purchase essential appliances including fridge freezers and washing machines.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances.
Residents of East Anglia can access the Anglian Water Assistance Fund, which provides help to people going through extreme circumstances.
For example, if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, lose your partner or become a victim of domestic violence.
In addition to subsidies, water companies also offer other ways to help with bills.
Many bill payers across the country could also get help paying off water debt through a little-known plan and even have the balance written off.
Companies match the payments that eligible customers make to the debt on their account so that it can be paid off more quickly.
If you use a water meter but find it difficult to conserve water because you have a large family or a water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to reduce your bills through the WaterSure program.
Bills are capped at your supplier's average amount, so the amount you can save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that this scheme will reduce bills by an average of £307.