SOUTH West Water claims it is keeping increases to its average household bill for water and wastewater services for 2023/24 well below inflation, alongside 'record' levels of investment. 

The water company has announced that the average bill will be increasing by less than £5, to ensure they remain affordable during the cost-of-living crisis.

The average household bill for water and wastewater services for 2023/24 will be £476, compared to £472 last year.

South West Water’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Laura Flowerdew, said: "We understand the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis for our customers, which is why we have worked hard to minimise any increases.

"We strive to help any customers who need it, and we encourage any customers who are worried about their bill to get in touch and see what additional support we can offer."

Whilst South West Water’s first focus is always on keeping bills low, it is also undertaking a wide range of initiatives to help customers during these challenging times.

This year, the company claims it has supported customers with £68 million of benefits, providing a range of support measures for customers struggling to pay their bills and vulnerable customers, with over 79,000 customers expected to access financial support between April 2020 and April 2023.

In a move that it claims is in direct response to the cost-of-living crisis, South West Water’s parent company, Pennon, accelerated the release of their second WaterShare+ issuance, which it says customers will be able to further benefit from a bill reduction or the opportunity to take a stake in the business, giving them a greater say in the water company.

Customers will also continue to benefit from the £50 Government Contribution for 2023/24.