Water companies across England and Wales are seeking even higher bill increases than originally proposed, with Southern Water requesting the biggest rise of 84%. Thames Water, the UK’s largest water provider, is pushing for a 53% increase, potentially raising annual bills to £667 by 2029/30, making them the highest in the country.

According to figures from Ofwat, the water regulator, firms want bills to rise by 40% on average, which would see the typical bill increase from £439 to £615 by 2030.

Of England and Wales’s 11 water and wastewater companies, only Wessex Water has not requested higher bills since Ofwat’s interim decision in July. Ofwat had initially approved an average 21% rise, but final decisions are expected on 19 December.

These proposed hikes come as water companies face mounting costs to address sewage pollution in waterways and comply with stricter regulations. Recent Government proposals include potential prison sentences for water company executives who obstruct investigations, bans on bonuses, and increased compensation for those affected by water contamination.

Ofwat has also demanded better justification from companies for their planned spending to ensure efficient and necessary investments. However, public anger over sewage discharges continues to fuel resistance to rising bills.

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