How much will your water bills go up by in April and how to beat the rise?
As the cost of living crisis only continues to worsen for households across the United Kingdom, many expenses are due to rise in price as we move into April.
From council tax rises to the on-going inflation costs on everyday essentials, money will be stretched further than ever.
While this is worrying news, the Government are introducing means of support in line with the price hikes. Many benefit payments are rising in April in line with inflation, and the first of a £900 cost of living payment is expected by late spring.
Another cost that’s been announced is the rise in water bills. Here’s what you need to know…
When will water bills go up in price?
Water bills will go up on April 1, 2023.
Support for low-income households is also being increased to its highest level ever.
More than one million households already receive help with water bills, which is being increased to 1.2 million in the coming months.
Find out more about support for your water bills and if you qualify.
How much more expensive will water bills be?
Water UK released a statement in February confirming bills will rise by an average of £31 to £448 a year in England and Wales (equivalent to around 60p more each week), but this figure will vary by location and water usage.
While this is a blow to households already facing lean times, the water bill increase is below inflation (November CPIH inflation, which regulators set as the benchmark, was 9.3%).
Water bills remain lower, in real terms, than they were a decade ago.
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How to find out your water bill increase
The table below shows how average water and sewerage bills are set to change in England and Wales from April, but individual bills could be higher or lower depending on factors such as your location, your usage and if you have a water meter.
Estimated water and sewage bills cost for 2023/24
- Anglian, £492, +£47 year on year (YOY)
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, £499, +£14 YOY
- Hafren Dyfrdwy, £372, +£41 YOY
- Northumbrian, £391, +£29 YOY
- Severn Trent, £419, +£28 YOY
- South West, £476, +£8 YOY
- Southern, £439, +£43 YOY
- Thames, £456, +£39 YOY
- United Utilities, £443, +£26 YOY
- Wessex, £504, +£42 YOY
- Yorkshire, £446, +£30 YOY.
How to save money on your water bill
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has shared ways you can try to mitigate some of the increased costs.
Martin explained on his ITV show how installing a water meter could save you hundreds. Households can opt for a two-year trial and one woman called Debra did this and managed to save £400 in a year.
He also shared advice for those struggling on benefits, have disabilities, or medical conditions is to speak with their water firm to see if they can be swapped to a cheaper tariff if they use lots of hot water for showers and baths.
For a final note, he shared that everyone can try to make the most of water-saving gadgets.
Explaining that they are ‘postcode dependent’ people can use sites like Savewatersavemoney.co.uk, where you can get gadgets ‘totally for free from your water firm’ which ‘cuts water and it cuts your energy use too, because remember much of the water that we use is heated.’
MORE : What is the upcoming energy price cap and by how much is it going up?
MORE : How to apply for £200 alternative fuels payment and who is eligible?
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