Martin Lewis' MSE issues urgent water bill warning to millions of UK households
Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert have issued an urgent water bill warning to millions of UK households. The regulator's decision means the typical billpayer across the UK will see their payments rise by an average of £86 this April.
The increases come amid high sewage spill rates and underinvestment in pipes, sewers, and reservoirs over the last decade. Money Saving Expert advised: "The majority of households in England, Scotland and Wales will see water and sewerage charges rise from April. In England and Wales, further hikes are planned over the next five years, industry regulator Ofwat has announced. However, prices vary depending on where you live.
In England and Wales, the average bill increase for water and sewerage firms in 2025/26 will be £86 (20%). MSE said: "You'll see any changes in your April 2025 bill. Meanwhile, the average water and sewerage bill will increase by £157 (36%) over the next five years."
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In Scotland, MSE reports water and sewerage prices depend on your council tax band and are generally paid alongside your council tax. "The average bill will increase by £44 a year (9.9%), according to national supplier Scottish Water. You'll see any changes in your April 2025 bill," it added.
In Northern Ireland, there are currently no domestic water charges. MSE's warning from BBC and ITV star Mr Lewis' team comes after it emerged water companies United Utilities and South West Water have confirmed bill increases of 32 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively, over the coming five years.
United Utilities, serving seven million customers in Manchester and Liverpool, and Pennon, the parent company of South West Water, have agreed to the bill increases negotiated with regulator Ofwat in December.
While the companies could have appealed Ofwat's decision to the competition regulator, Wednesday's announcements confirmed they would not.