Water bills to rise by up to 9.4% in South Wiltshire and Hampshire
Customers will pay on average an extra ÂŁ38 per year from April
Last updated 2nd Feb 2023
An above average increase is being added to water bills in Salisbury and much of Hampshire - the biggest rise in almost 20 years.
Wessex Water and Southern Water are raising prices by up to 9.4% from April - meaning your yearly bill will increase by around ÂŁ38 from April.
Across England and Wales, water companies will increase water bills following a rise in their own energy costs, by an average of 7.5%.
Consumer groups warned the rise could prove the tipping point for the one in five customers already struggling to pay.
But Water UK argued that water bills remained lower in real terms than they were a decade ago and said this year's increase reflected higher energy costs, with water firms using around 2% of the nation's electricity.
Water UK director of policy Stuart Colville said:
"With an average increase of around 60p a week, most customers will again see a below-inflation increase in their water bill. However, we know that any increase is unwelcome, particularly at the moment.
"That is why companies are also releasing an extra ÂŁ200 million to help those that may be struggling.
"Anyone with worries should contact their water company or go to supportontap.org for advice, and it's worth remembering that water companies will never cut anyone off, or make them use a prepayment meter.
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) said regional variations and factors such as whether a customer is metered and how much water they use meant some households could face rises significantly above - or below - the average.
And it said the postcode lottery of social tariff schemes meant many customers who cannot afford their bill "slip through the net".
CCW chief executive Emma Clancy said:
"Water is essential for all of us so no-one should be worried about being able to afford their bill. These increases will bring more uncertainty to struggling households at a time when they can't be certain they will get the help they need.
"Low-income households need immediate relief and the long-term security of knowing their water bill will be affordable.
"It's not fair that struggling households face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their bill - that's why we urgently need a new water affordability scheme that provides consistent support based on people's needs."
Southern Water
Dual service customers with Southern Water contracts can expect an increase of 9.4% on their charges, with an average annual bill rising from ÂŁ401 to ÂŁ439, while water only bills will go up by 9% and waste only by 9.7%.
Southern Water says it's increasing customer bills in line with inflation and in the face of growing economic pressures. It adds that it plans to support struggling customers.
Katy Taylor, Southern Water’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
“We are aware that the UK’s cost-of-living crisis is a worry for many of our customers, and this is why plans to increase tariffs are never taken lightly.
“The rise this year reflects the growing economic pressures of chemical, energy and wage inflation.
“We are channelling more money than ever before into supporting customers in need – particularly those who may struggle to pay their bills."
The company says it's investing ÂŁ98m to boost its support package for customers including payment holidays, special tariffs, debt write-offs, bill reductions and grants for household items.
“If you know anyone who is finding it hard to pay their bills, please encourage them to get in touch with us as we can help."
Wessex Water
Wessex Water’s bills will increase by around 9% on average from 1 April.
A spokesperson from Wessex Water said:
“The average Wessex Water bill is increasing in line with inflation, while at the same time we’re continuing to invest record amounts on maintaining and improving water and sewerage services and protecting the environment.
“While this increase isn’t as high as the price hikes seen in the energy sector, we understand that it could be difficult for some households to afford.
The company says it's committed to helping customers who will struggle to afford their water bills through their affordability schemes or payment plans. It claims it helped over 55,000 struggling financially so far.
“For those struggling, we’ve made it easier than ever for customers to get help that’s tailored to their individual needs and would encourage anyone who is worried to get in touch so we can help.”