Water And Sewerage Bills To Rise In 2012

The average bill for water and sewage is to rise by over 0.5% above inflation to £376, according to the industry's regulator.

According to Ofwat on Tuesday, the average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales is forecast to increase by 5.7%, or about £20. This takes into account a rate of inflation of 5.2% and will mean an average bill of £376 in 2012 and 2013.

The increases are to contribute to a £22 billion investment programme over the next five years.

Ofwat said it had permitted water and sewerage companies to increase their charges between 2010 –15 but only to remain broadly in line with inflation by 2015, and around 10% lower than what companies asked for.

Ofwat Chief Executive Regina Finn said: “When we set limits on prices, we listened to customers. They told us they wanted bills kept down, while maintaining safe, reliable water supplies. We challenged companies hard to deliver this. Our decision meant that, before inflation, average bills would remain broadly stable between 2010 -15.

“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. We will make sure customers get value for money."

Ms Finn added that companies were investing £22 billion by 2015, more than £935 for every property in England and Wales.

"This will deliver benefits to us all – from continuing to improve reliability of supplies to cleaner rivers and beaches."

The bill changes for this year will come into effect on 1 April 2012 and apply until 31 March 2013. The impact of the new charges will vary for individual household customers depending on the company that supplies them and whether or not they have a water meter.

(DW)