Overview

• The average annual water bill will increase by £123, rising from £480 to £603, marking the largest hike since the industry's privatisation 36 years ago.
• Southern Water customers will experience the highest increase of 47%, bringing their average bill to £703, while other regions face rises ranging from 29% to 32%.
• The increases are attributed to funding a £104 billion investment plan through 2030 aimed at improving infrastructure, reducing pollution, and building reservoirs.
• Critics highlight decades of underinvestment, rising shareholder dividends, and mounting customer debt, with 2.5 million households already struggling to pay bills.
• Water companies and the regulator Ofwat have pledged financial support for over three million households, though concerns remain over the affordability of these hikes.