Local MP Norman Baker has called on Southern Water to provide support to ease the impact on its customers, as today it was announced that the average bill for Southern Water customers will rise by 8.2%, 3% above inflation.
Ofwat has today announced the annual bills for sewage and water for 2012/13, and local customers of Southern Water will be concerned to learn that they can expect a rise of £31 on the average bill raising it to £416. The rise comes in year three of the five year price review by Ofwat for 2010-15. Within the review a rise of 8.2% is permissible to enable Southern Water to increase supply during peak hours, install water meters, increase sewage treatment works capacity and improve the quality of water in rivers and lakes, as required by the Environment Agency. In 2011/12 Southern Water was limited to a rise of inflation.
Norman says: "These are tough times and this rise is certainly unwelcome. While it is right that Southern Water invests in infrastructure and metering, the rise of 3% above inflation is really going to hit the pockets of local people. Southern Water must therefore do everything it can to limit the impact of the rise, such as transparently advertising off peak rates and deals, and providing advice to customers about payment plan options to make the rise more manageable."
South East Water has also announced that it will be raising its bills above inflation, although the rise is limited by Ofwat to 1.7% above inflation.
Norman added: "I'll say to South East Water what I said to Southern Water - you must do all you can to support your customers and limit the impact of the rise."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
