Overview

• The Labour government has endorsed ‘rising block’ tariffs that charge heavier water users higher rates with all trials overseen by regulator Ofwat.
• Successful rollout depends on smart meters in every home yet only around 12% of English households currently have connected devices.
• Thames Water and other companies project the model could cut bills by about 9% for three-quarters of households while curbing overall consumption.
• Conservative shadow ministers argue the surcharges will disproportionately hit large families and homes with gardens or swimming pools.
• Ministers deny any plans to legislate compulsory metering or tariffs and are investing more than £100bn to upgrade pipes and reduce sewage.