Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; responding to Ofwat’s publication of the amount the water companies can charge from 2015-2020, said:

“For many people prices are still going to be rising faster than wages and that’s why one in five people are struggling with their water bills. Water companies are allowed to add inflation to these prices and for most people that will put their bills up. The truth is that the water industry isn’t working for consumers and David Cameron has done nothing to address it. It’s unacceptable that some companies paid no tax last year while millions of customers are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s time for a new deal with the water companies and the next Labour Government will deliver it. We will reform the water industry, creating a national affordability scheme to support those customers who are struggling most with their bills. We’ll also give the regulator tough new powers to cut bills and ensure that water companies play by the rules and put consumers first.”

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