From the council tax increase to continued inflation costs on everyday essentials, money will be stretched further than ever.
Another announced cost is the increase in the water bill. Here’s what you need to know…
When will the water bill go up in price?
Water bills will increase on April 1, 2023.
Water UK released a statement in February confirming that bills will rise by an average of £31 to £448 a year (equivalent to around 60p more each week), but this figure will vary by location and water usage .
Support for low-income families is also being increased to an all-time high.
More than one million households already receive help with the water bill, which will increase to 1.2 million in the coming months.
Learn more about support for your water bills and if you qualify.
How much more expensive will water bills be?
According to Water UK, average annual water and sewer bills in England and Wales are expected to rise by £31 (7.5%) to £448 next year.
While this is a blow to families already facing tough times, the water bill increase is below inflation (November CPIH inflation, which regulators set as a benchmark, was 9.3%).
Water bills remain lower, in real terms, than they were a decade ago.
The 7.5% increase in water is much smaller than price increases seen elsewhere.
The energy price cap is expected to rise 20% in April, having risen 27% in October (three and a half times the increase for water), while broadband and mobile customers are expected to see their bills increase by up to 14%.
How to know the water bill increase
The table below shows how average water and sewer bills are expected to change in England and Wales from April, but individual bills may be higher or lower depending on factors such as your location, your usage and whether you have a meter. of water.
Estimated cost of water and sewage bills for 2023/24
- English£492, + £47 year-over-year (YOY)
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water£499, + £14 YOY
- Hafren Dyfrdwy£372, + £41 YOY
- Northumbrian£391, + £29 YOY
- Severn Trent£419, + £28 YOY
- South-west£476, + £8 YOY
- Southern£439, + £43 YOY
- Thames£456, + £39 YOY
- United Utilities£443, + £26 YOY
- wessex, £504, + £42 YOY
- yorkshire£446, + £30 YOY.
How to save on water bill
Money saving specialist Martin Lewis shared ways you can try to mitigate some of the increased costs.
Martin explained on his ITV show how installing a water meter can save hundreds. Families can opt for a two-year trial and a woman called Debra did this and was able to save £400 in one year.
He also shared advice for those struggling for benefits, have disabilities or medical issues to speak with their water company to see if they can be switched to a cheaper rate if they use too much hot water for showers and baths.
On a final note, he shared that everyone can try to make the most of water-saving fgadgets.
Explaining that they are ‘postcode dependent’, people can use sites like Savewatersavemoney.co.uk where you can get gadgets ‘completely free from your water company’ that ‘cut water and also reduce energy use, because remember a lot of the water we use is heated.’
MORE: What’s the next energy price cap and how much is it going up?
MORE: How do I apply for the £200 alternative fuel payment and who is eligible?
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