In the face of growing economic pressures, Southern Water is increasing its household bills in line with inflation for the 2023-24 period.

This means dual service customers can expect an increase of 9.4% on their charges, with an average annual bill rising from £401 to £439, while water only bills will go up by 9% and waste only by 9.7%.

Announcing the increases, the water company said:

“As well as helping to ensure we continue to improve our performance and provide the service our customers and environment deserve, this rise will also enable us to help more people in financial difficulty than ever before via our £98m support package for those in need.

“We have worked hard to keep bills as low as possible in recent years. In real terms, the 2023-24 average bill is still 12.5% lower than four years ago, and our annual bill changes have been below inflation throughout that period, decreasing in two of those years. Last year’s average dual bill of £401 was 4% lower than the industry average of £419. “

Southern Water is investing £2 billion between 2020 and 2025 to improve its network,- current projects include:

• £350m on Water For Life Hampshire’s new water supply network
• multimillion pound pipe installation for the Isle of Sheppey in Kent
• £28 million upgrade of wastewater treatment works in Horsham.

The utility has not paid any dividends to shareholders since 2017.

Katy Taylor, Southern Water’s Chief Customer Officer, commented:

“We are aware that the UK’s cost-of-living crisis is a worry for many of our customers, and this is why plans to increase tariffs are never taken lightly.

“The rise this year reflects the growing economic pressures of chemical, energy and wage inflation.

“We are channelling more money than ever before into supporting customers in need – particularly those who may struggle to pay their bills. This £98m will boost the support package we already offer customers including payment holidays, special tariffs, debt write-offs, bill reductions and grants for household items.

“If you know anyone who is finding it hard to pay their bills, please encourage them to get in touch with us as we can help.”