New rule for 5 water companies means higher bills for millions in England

NewsMidlands NewsSevern Trent WaterSevern Trent included09:31, 13 Aug 2026Millions of households in England and Wales face higher bills after five water companies were given the green light to spend £3.4bn more than planned. The rises will come on top of the already announced 36 per cent hikes over the second half of the decade.‌On Thursday, the water industry regulator, Ofwat, said 13 companies had requested to spend £4.3bn on top of what had been agreed. Five – Southern Water, Thames Water, Severn Trent, Wessex Water and South East Water – will be allowed.‌Helen Campbell, the executive director for delivery at Ofwat, said allowing the water companies to spend more would allow them to deliver “without delay”.‌READ MORE Andy Burnham government confirms change to 7 high street banks - full