Southern Water have announced steep rises in customers’ bills from April.
Customers who pay for water and wastewater services can expect a 9% rise, from £1.20 per day (£439 per year) to £1.31 per day (£479 per year).
Whilst water only bills will go up by 7.7% and waste only by 10%.
Told to limit rises
Southern Water are one of several water companies who were told by Ofwat in 2023 that they would have to limit rises owing to missing key targets on leakages, supply and reducing pollution.
The water company say that the two key drivers for rising charges are the ongoing pressures of inflation and its impact on increased costs for energy, fuel and raw materials, and the feedback they’ve have had from communities and stakeholders about the need to invest more heavily in their network.
Taylor: We know household budgets remain under considerable pressure
Katy Taylor, Southern Water’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
“We completely understand the concerns that will be raised among our communities about this upcoming bill rise.
“We know household budgets remain under considerable pressure, and that times continue to be hard for many families, so any move to increase charges is never taken lightly.
“We spoke extensively with customers, businesses and stakeholders – including our regulator Ofwat – before reaching this decision, ensuring we balanced the investment needed in our network amid a testing economic climate, with what communities are willing to pay.
“Crucially, we are offering a wider range of support to customers who may struggle with their bills than ever before, thanks to a £96m package which includes payment holidays, discounts on bills of at least 45%, debt write-offs, access to a special hardship fund, and grants for household items. Please contact us if you need our help.”
To find out about how your new bill is calculated or for details of support schemes and payment schemes visit the Southern Water website.
Other rises
Isle of Wight residents could potentially see a 4.99% increase in council tax from April, to combat the growing black hole in council finances due to lack of funding from the Conservative Government.
This includes a £10 per year increase in the Police precept.
Energy prices
However, from April 2024 the predicted energy price cap will see annual energy cost for an average usage medium-sized household paying by Direct Debit reduce from £1,928 (Jan-Mar) to £1,620 (Apr to Jun).
