Above-inflation price rises for water bills

Householders can expect an above-inflation increase in the price of their water bills for the 2013/2014 year.

Water and sewerage regulator Ofwat announced on Monday that bills will go up an average of 3.5 per cent from April 1, with the rate of inflation standing at 3 per cent.

Thames Water customers can expect to be hit harder than most, with Ofwat estimating an increase of 5.5 per cent - more than any other provider.

The forecast means water bills for Thames Water customers will go up £9 for the year, with the price of sewerage rising by £10.

But the total combined bill will still be lower than most other providers, standing at £354.

Water bills for South East Water will rise by £6 to an average total of £201.