Water rate rises likely to hit poor

12.54.46pm GMT Mon 17th Jan 2005

North Somerset Councillor and Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Woodspring, Mike Bell has expressed concern about the water rate increase by Wessex Water and Bristol Water that has now been approved by the official regulator.

Under OFWAT's final determination for the next five years, the average bill for sewage services from Wessex Water will rise by 18% and the average bill for water services from Bristol Water will rise by 13%, both over and above inflation.

"Such big increases over and above inflation will hit those on low and fixed incomes particularly hard," said Mr Bell.

"Although the improvements promised will be welcomed by residents - particularly in terms of tackling problems with inadequate sewage capacity - the proposed increases are more than many people will be able to pay."