Water watchdog decision on bills in England and Wales delayed until after election, as Thames crisis looms
Ofwat is poised to refuse most water companies’ requests to ratchet up consumer bills, with some getting as little as half of what they have asked for, the Guardian has learned.
The decision from the water watchdog for England and Wales, Ofwat, has been formally delayed until 11 July because of the general election. Its verdict, known as a draft determination, comes amid a growing crisis in the water sector.
Southern Water – 91% to £915
Thames Water – 59% to £749
Hafren Dyfrdwy – 56% to £676
Severn Trent – 50% to £657
Wessex Water – 50% to £822
Yorkshire Water – 46% to £682
Dŵr Cymru – 43% to £702
United Utilities – 38% to £666
South East Water – 35% £330
Pennon – 33% to £644
Portsmouth Water – 31% to £157
SES – 30% to £315
Anglian Water – 29% to £682
Northumbrian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water – 26% to £530
Affinity Water – 25% to £294
South Staffs & Cambridge Water – 24% to £221
Source: Consumer Council for Water
Data note: The figures are estimates which include forecasts for inflation of 2% a year up to 2030 to requests from water companies submitted to Ofwat.
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