Southern Water Customers Face Over £200 Bill Increase, Deemed “Unbelievable”

Customers have labeled a 53% increase in water bills, projected by the close of the decade, as “unbelievable.” According to water regulator Ofwat, this significant rise is part of broader bill increases across England and Wales over the coming five years, intended to fund supply infrastructure improvements and decrease sewage discharges. Southern Water customers currently pay an average yearly bill of £420; however, this amount is set to increase by over £200, reaching an average of £642 by 2030. For the initial year, starting in April, the average water bill across the UK will see an average increase of £86. Lawrence Gosden, CEO of Southern Water, stated that the increase was “essential” and affirmed that the company plans to be “significantly expanding” assistance for customers requiring support. David Black, Ofwat chief executive, informed the BBC that the investment is expected to “deliver significant reduction in sewage spills, further reductions in leakage, and drive up service for customers.” Nevertheless, customers expressed considerable dissatisfaction with these increases. Doug Craib commented to BBC Radio Sussex: “There’s an abject failure of the whole policy of privatisation as we’ve seen over the last 30 odd years.” He continued: “They’ve polluted our beaches and are poisoning the waters. Money has been stripped out of the business and paid to shareholders many of whom are abroad.” Craib added: “The anger with Southern Water just runs so deep.” Jim Faithfull, a resident of Brighton, described the increase as “shocking.” He further stated: “I’m a pensioner so every penny counts.” An additional resident remarked: “I just think it’s unbelievable that they get to pass the cost on to the customer, while still giving themselves huge bonuses.” Heather Robins, a sea swimmer, characterized the situation as “scary for hard-working people trying to find that money.” South East Water, a provider solely of drinking water, is projected to implement an average annual increase of £55, whereas Portsmouth Water, responsible for certain parts of West Sussex, will introduce an average increase of £41. Collectively, these cost increases surpass what Ofwat had suggested in July, yet they remain below the figures water companies had sought. In the previous year, Southern Water had aimed for a potential 73% increase in bills by 2030, and in July of the current year, Ofwat indicated that Southern Water customers were looking at a £183 rise, representing a 44% increase. Cath Jones of the Consumer Council for Water referred to the increase as an “unwelcome rise” for consumers. She conveyed to BBC Radio Sussex that while nationwide investment is necessary, it should not come at the cost of individuals being unable to afford an essential service such as water. Southern Water’s CEO Lawrence Gosden stated: “We’re very conscious that a rise in bills isn’t easy for our customers, essential though it is to delivering the improved performance and infrastructure that’s required. So we’re significantly expanding the wide range of support available for those customers who are most in need.”