Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; responding to the forecast average household water bills for 2015/2016, said:

“This announcement shows that Ed Miliband was right to challenge the water companies to help tackle the cost of living crisis, but it is too little, too late. Hard pressed consumers have seen their water bills rise year on year under David Cameron and bills are projected to rise further under another five years of a Tory Government.

“Affordability and fairness remain major issues for many consumers with one in five struggling with unaffordable water bills. It is unacceptable that some water companies pay little or no tax despite making record profits and yet only eight water companies currently offer a social tariff to consumers struggling most.

“Labour will deliver a new deal with the water industry focused on fairness and affordability for all. Labour will reform the water industry, creating a national affordability scheme to support those customers who are struggling most. 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.”