The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has authorized five water companies to implement additional charge increases, impacting millions of households and businesses in England. This decision allows for an average additional rise of approximately 3% on water bills, equivalent to about £12 annually. The specific additional increases granted are 1% for Anglian and Northumbrian, 3% for Southern, 4% for South East, and 5% for Wessex. These companies collectively serve over 7 million customers, having initially sought larger increases. The context for these adjustments includes companies financing investment in infrastructure, partly to address outdated systems cited as causes of river and water pollution. The Environment Agency reported a 60% increase in serious pollution incidents by water firms within a year. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the expectation for water companies to offer support to customers facing payment difficulties. Citizens Advice, through Anne Pardoe, expressed concerns regarding the effect of these increases on household finances, noting that one in five households struggled with water bills last year, and called for urgent support measures.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg4jkexgl1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss