Water bills in England and Wales are set to increase by an average of £33 per year starting this April. This hike represents a 5.4% rise, equivalent to £2.70 more per month, surpassing the current inflation rate of 3.4%.
Regulator Ofwat had previously granted water companies permission to boost average bills by 36% over the next five years until 2030. Water UK stated that these increases are necessary to support a £104 billion investment plan aimed at improving infrastructure and preventing sewage spills. However, critics argue that the escalating bills will add pressure on families already facing financial challenges.
Water UK also announced that approximately 300,000 additional households are expected to benefit from social tariffs in 2026/27, bringing the total number of supported households to around 2.5 million. Social tariffs provide discounted rates for water and sewerage charges, with an expected average discount of 40%.
David Henderson, Chief Executive of Water UK, emphasized the importance of the increased funds for essential upgrades to secure water supplies and address environmental concerns. Mike Keil, CEO of the Consumer Council for Water, highlighted rising complaints about water bill affordability and the need for transparent spending evidence.
Chris Walters, interim Chief Executive of Ofwat, assured monitoring of company performance to ensure accountability and customer funds are allocated for improvements. He noted the availability of increased support for customers struggling to pay bills.
While consumers cannot switch water providers, they can still save money by adopting water-saving practices. Simple measures such as reducing shower time and using water-efficient devices can make a significant impact on bills. Free water-saving devices are available through Save Water Save Money, and installing a water meter can also lead to potential savings, especially for households with more bedrooms than occupants.
