10/03/2005
Water bills set to rise
Water bills in England and Wales are set to rise by almost 12% from April 1, the water regulator, Ofwat has said.
Ofwat said that the increases are necessary in order to reflect the higher costs of delivering water and sewage services, as well as the build-up of costs since the last review in 1999.
The revenue raised by the increases – estimated to be around £16.8 billion over the next five years – would be used in a capital investment programme, which would help maintain safe and reliable water supplies and sewage disposal, improve the quality of drinking water, and make further reductions in sewer flooding.
Commenting on the price increases, Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, said: "I realise that all bill increases are unwelcome. But I can assure customers that bills are going up by no more than is necessary to enable water companies to continue to provide the high-quality water and sewerage services that customers require."
Despite the increases for 2005-2006, Ofwat said that many households' water and sewage bills would still be lower in real terms than they were in 1999, before the introduction of a 12% reduction in bills from April 2000.
(KmcA)
Ofwat said that the increases are necessary in order to reflect the higher costs of delivering water and sewage services, as well as the build-up of costs since the last review in 1999.
The revenue raised by the increases – estimated to be around £16.8 billion over the next five years – would be used in a capital investment programme, which would help maintain safe and reliable water supplies and sewage disposal, improve the quality of drinking water, and make further reductions in sewer flooding.
Commenting on the price increases, Philip Fletcher, Director General of Water Services, said: "I realise that all bill increases are unwelcome. But I can assure customers that bills are going up by no more than is necessary to enable water companies to continue to provide the high-quality water and sewerage services that customers require."
Despite the increases for 2005-2006, Ofwat said that many households' water and sewage bills would still be lower in real terms than they were in 1999, before the introduction of a 12% reduction in bills from April 2000.
(KmcA)
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'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
19 August 2003
Ofwat warns customers over rise in charges
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Ofwat warns customers over rise in charges
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20 January 2004
31% rises in water bills may be underestimate: WaterVoice
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31% rises in water bills may be underestimate: WaterVoice
The huge rises in water bills predicted last year by the industry may have been seriously underestimated, according to the water utility watchdog WaterVoice.
02 December 2004
Water bills increase by 18%
Industry regulator Ofwat has announced a hefty increase in water charges in England and Wales. Customer bills are set to rise by an average of 18% over the next five years. From April 2005 customer bills will climb by £46 from £246 to £295.
Water bills increase by 18%
Industry regulator Ofwat has announced a hefty increase in water charges in England and Wales. Customer bills are set to rise by an average of 18% over the next five years. From April 2005 customer bills will climb by £46 from £246 to £295.
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Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
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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.