Action considered over water bill non-payers

Water customers are paying about £20 extra every year to cover the cost of those who do not pay their bills, it is claimed.

Bad debt written off by water companies and passed on to customers already facing rising bills has increased by 430% over three years.

The Welsh government estimates that most of those not paying their bills live in rented accommodation.

It is now considering forcing landlords to give tenants' details to water companies to improve their chances of collecting payment.

The government claims the cost of non-payment to other customers could rise to £50 a year within a decade if the problem was not tackled.

James Williams reports.