Warning issued to United Utilities customers as big price hikes announced

Average household water bills in Greater Manchester and the north west are set to rise by £94 over a five year period, it was revealed today. It includes an average rise of £27 between 2024-25 and 2025-26, the Water Services Regulation Authority, Ofwat, said.

The regulator, meanwhile, said it expects United Utilities to 'deliver a significantly improved level of service for customers and the environment' - and outlined a series of key demands.

Ofwat said it has set UU 'a much broader range of commitments to protect and improve the environment'. The company, which provides water and wastewater services across the north, has been told to do more to tackle storm overflow spills, leaks and external sewer flooding - and to reduce pollution incidents by 30 per cent. It must also deliver a 31 per cent reduction in the amount of phosphorus entering rivers, Ofwat said.

Sewage spills into England’s rivers and seas more than doubled in 2023. Ofwat said: "We expect United Utilities to deliver significantly better outcomes for our natural environment over the next few years and to meet its legal obligations: we want lower pollution, healthier rivers and waterways, and the company to do its bit to combat the effects of climate change."

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Ofwat revealed UU wanted to charge its customers more for their water over the period. The average household bill for 2024-5 for customers is £442. UU's proposed plan would see that figure increase to £556 in 2029-30, but Ofwat's draft determination, published today, is costed £20 cheaper, at £536.

The proposals are part of the 2024 Price Review and cover the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030, ahead of a final