Recent research from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), based on a survey of 9,500 households in England and Wales gauging views on proposed PR24 bill rises, has found that the average increase of 21% before inflation, to fund £88bn of investment, will be unaffordable for many.

Across England and Wales, 40% said they would find the increase difficult to afford (48% when looking at Wales alone)– more than double the 18% who said they have difficulty paying their current bill. 75% found the overall investment package to be acceptable, though acceptability fell to 58% when customers were reminded of the higher associated cost.

Mike Keil, CCW chief executive, said: “These bill increases would put an intolerable strain on the finances of millions of households and only a single social tariff can provide the safety net that is needed to ensure water is affordable for everyone.”

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