23/07/2009

Ofwat Calls For Water Bill Cuts

Water bills in British households are set to fall by an average of 4% over the next five years, under new proposals announced today by regulator Ofwat.

The average bills will be cut by £14 to £330, and the plans were announced as part of the regulator's "draft determination" on price limits for water and sewerage costs in England and Wales for the 2010-15 period.

According to Ofwat, the proposals will allow water companies to invest £21bn in improving services over the period.

However, the decision is likely to spark fury from water companies - who wanted to increase bills by £28 above inflation by 2015.

A consultation period will take place, until the final decision by the regulator will be revealed in November.

Meanwhile, water companies will get the chance to renegotiate in September and they can also appeal to the Competition Commission.

Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn said: "We understand times are hard and we have listened to what customers have told us.

"They want a safe, reliable water supply at a reasonable cost. People can shop around for the best deal on many things, but not water."

The new bills will then come into effect in April 2010.

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 June 2006
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
16 October 2003
Improvements plans could add 'hefty rises' to water bills
The water regulator Ofwat has warned today that customers face "hefty rises" in their water bills if improvement programmes are confirmed.
29 September 2004
Water companies have improved efficiency, says Ofwat
Water companies in England and Wales have "invested substantially" in infrastructure and quality improvements over the past four years while "continuing to improve their efficiency", according to the latest report by the water watchdog Ofwat.