Water bill increases add to financial burden

 

March 18, 2008

At a time when many households are facing financial woes as a result of high mortgage repayments, high living costs, and increased energy bills, many are set to receive another blow over the coming days in relation to their water bills. Water companies are now sending out statements and bills to customers regarding water charges for the coming year, and in some areas water customers will be facing steep rises, which will simply add to the financial burden.

The average customer is set to see their water bills rise by around 5.8%, although some areas could see their bills rise by close to 10%. Yorkshire Water and United Utilities are set to raise water usage costs by an average 7.5%. Customers of Wessex Water and Southern Water are likely to see bills rise by an average 7.8%. It is bad news for customers of Dee Valley Water, who could see their bills rise by up to 9.4%. However, Thames Water customers will only see their bills rise by an average 3.8%.

The water regulator Ofwat said that the rises are essential to help maintain the service, although it understood the financial strains that consumers were facing.

One official from Ofwat said: ‘With household bills generally going up - including increases in energy and council tax - we are aware that bill increases are difficult for some customers. These price rises are essential to enable companies to continue to provide high-quality secure water and sewerage services both now and for future generations. The increases also go towards significant improvements to protect the environment.’

Whilst falling interest rates have eased the financial situation to some degree for homeowners, other rising bills and costs have reduced the financial benefits of the rate cuts, with consumers still struggling with their finances.

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Written by admin · Filed Under Energy, Utilities 

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