Water bill rises: Warning millions will struggle to pay

In July, Ofwat provisionally said bills would rise by an average of £19 per year between 2025 and 2030 – totalling a £94 increase, or a 21% rise, over that five year period. That increase does not include inflation.

The bill hike varies by region with the regulator agreeing to a rise of 44% for Southern Water, and 11% for Northumbrian Water.

Since July, some companies have asked for further increases. For example, Thames Water, the UK’s largest water company, was given the go-ahead to lift bills by 23%. It has since said it needs to raise bills by 59%, in order to keep operating as normal.

The BBC understands Ofwat is considering permitting bigger bill increases for some companies when it makes a final decision in December, to reflect higher financing costs.