21-07-2025
What the water review means for UK households
A s the biggest review of water regulation in 36 years is announced, many people will be wondering what the shake-up will mean for their finances.
Many households are already shocked and angry about the huge increase in their bills, which will rise 36 per cent on average by 2030. Customers in some parts of the country face even steeper rises — such as Southern Water's average rate increase of 47 per cent for this financial year alone.
The reality is that the final report of Sir Jon Cunliffe's independent water commission will have no short-term impact on bills. The rises are locked in until 2030 and Cunliffe was told by Steve Reed, the environment secretary, not to look at anything that would affect the current five-year 'price control' period.
