United Utilities hike: How will my bills change?

The average customer will be paying £142 more on their annual water bill by 2030

More than seven million United Utilities customers across north-west England will see their water bills jump in April.

The hike is part of a business plan agreed with regulator Ofwat to raise bills by an average of 32% over the next five years to fund investment in infrastructure to clean up dirty rivers.

With families bracing to feel an extra pinch in their outgoings, here is a breakdown of the key facts.

How will it affect me?

Bills will rise by an average of £86 for a typical household from April.

This will affect people living in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, most of Cheshire and parts of Derbyshire, where United Utilities runs the water network.

After the initial increase, the company plans to raise bills by an average of £31 each year until 2030, a 32% increase over five years.

That means the average annual bill will reach £585 by 2030, compared to the current 2024-25 figure of £442.

John Vinson, from the Consumer Council for Water said these figures could change before April as they "do not include inflation".

The hike will see funds spent on cleaning up dirty rivers in the region

Why is the increase happening?

The hike will allow United Utilities to raise £12.7bn through bills from households and its 200,00 business customers over five years.

That will fund what has been described as "the largest investment" in water infrastructure since water companies were privatised in 1989.

Under this plan, £2.5bn of the cash will go on cutting the times raw sewage is discharged into rivers and waterways in the area by 30 per cent.

Other improvements required in targets set by Ofwat include reducing the number of leaks, installing more smart meters, and doing more to limit water main bursts.

Mr Vinson said people want to see "real progress and real results", adding it was important water firms "deliver on their promises".

The changes will see the firm raise £12bn from customers in five years

Can I reduce my water bill?

"You can't change water company, you're tied in based on where you live," said James Walker from Citizens Advice Manchester.

But he said customers can limit the water consumption to reduce bills.

He continued: "For example, they recommend these days that you have a shower of no longer than four minutes, it's also the same with things like filling up the kettle, do you need to fill it up to the top?"

On its website, United Utilities advises getting a water meter, checking for leaks in your house as well as saving water used on garden chores as ways to cut down.

What if I can't pay?

Every water company has to offer support schemes for struggling customers called social tariffs that help cut bills.

United Utilities plans to increase its social tariff provision from 5% to 15% over the next five years, Ofwat has said.

This is open to those on low incomes or receiving means-tested benefits, with schemes also offered to help people pay spread the cost of paying their bills.