Water bills on the rise

Yorkshire Water, which covers most of South Yorkshire, is putting up annual bills by an average of £12, or £1 per month.

Meanwhile, Severn Trent Water, which covers south east Sheffield, north Derbyshire and north Notts is increasing its charges by £7 for the coming year.

Both companies say their increases are below the national average but will help to fund ‘substantial’ investment.

Regina Finn, chief executive of watchdog, Ofwat, said: “We understand that there is huge pressure on household incomes, and any rise is unwelcome. Inflation is driving these increases.”

Yorkshire Water said increased charges would help to fund investment including a £78 million upgrade of Blackburn Meadows sewage works and £20 million replacement of old water pipes in Rotherham, Sheffield and Barnsley.

Richard Flint, Yorkshire Water’s chief executive, said: “We know that things are really tough out there, with a lot of people really feeling the pinch, which is why it’s so important that essential service providers like ourselves explain exactly why price increases are necessary.

Severn Trent said its customers ‘will continue to have the lowest average combined household water bills in England and Wales over the coming year’.