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Household water bills to rise in 2012
February 01, 2012
Ofwat has announced that average household water bills will rise by 5.7 per cent in 2012-13.
Households across England and Wales are bracing themselves for an increase in their water bills.
Regulator Ofwat says that the average water and sewerage bill will rise by 5.7 per cent - approximately £20 per household.
This means that people can typically expect to pay around £376 for their water in 2012-13.
Ofwat pointed out that average bills will remain broadly in line with inflation until 2015 at the earliest, and around ten per cent lower than water companies had asked for.
Regina Finn, chief executive officer of Ofwat, said: "We understand that any bill rise is unwelcome, particularly in tough economic times. Inflation feeds through into water bills, and this is driving these rises."
Ms Finn insisted that the regulator will ensure companies deliver on their investment promises, improving the reliability of supplies and cleaning up rivers and beaches.
However, the Money Advice Trust warned that the price rises could lead to an increase in the number of households with water debts.
The charity's National Debtline experienced a 32 per cent increase in calls relating to water debts in 2011 and expects the problem to worsen this year.
Chief executive Joanna Elson observed: "Whilst the price rises may be in line with inflation, they are not in line with any growth in earnings, meaning water bills will take up more and more of the money we bring in."
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