£94 warning issued as every UK household told to brace themselves

UK households have been warned to brace themselves for a rise to their water bills. Details of expected increases have been revealed by the regulator Ofgem.

And it's bad news for families, who can expect to pay an extra £94 over the next five years on average. That means a £19 annual increase for the typical customer, though people in some areas will be charged more than others.

The hike that is being proposed Ofgem is lower than water companies had asked for. They claimed they needed to get more cash out of hard-up customers to fix pipes and sewers.

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But the latest rise to household bills will come as another blow to households who have struggled through the cost of living crisis. Southern Water customers are facing a hike of £183 (44%) and Thames Water £99 (23%).

Final bills have not yet been confirmed. Ofwat's proposed bill rises can be challenged by the water firms, with a final decision due by the end of the year. Ofwat chief executive David Black told the BBC its plan marked the "biggest ever" investment in the water sector and would mean "sustained improvement to customer service and the environment at a fair price for customers."

The announcement continues the turbulent period for household bills. The Energy Price Cap, which controls typical gas and electricity bills, was reduced at the start of July but there have been warnings it could go back up in October.