Water regulator Ofwat is already allowing water firms to increase bills by an average of £157 over the next five years - but now, six water firms are appealing this decision
Six major UK water companies, including Thames Water, Southern Water, Anglian Water, South East Water, Northumbrian Water, and Wessex Water, are appealing to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to increase their bills beyond the already approved hikes by Ofwat. Ofwat has authorized an average increase of £157 over five years, equating to a 36% rise. Thames Water, which has a £16 billion debt, was granted a 35% increase but seeks a 53% hike, while Southern Water was approved a 53% rise. The companies argue that these increases are necessary for infrastructure investments to improve water supplies and reduce pollution. Thames Water recently secured £3 billion to avoid collapse. Ofwat emphasizes that their decisions are based on thorough evaluations to ensure customer value.
