Average water bill to rise

Ofwat, the regulator of the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales, has announced that the average water bill will rise by 4.6% in April, to £356.

Following the news, comparison and switching service uSwitch.com has warned the £16 rise could squeeze household budgets even further.

Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, Ann Robinson, said: "Although the increase may only seem like a drop in the ocean, it comes after a tough couple of months for consumers, who have seen their budgets under more pressure than ever before. After a full round of energy price rises, increased VAT and inflation that is outstripping pay rises, consumers may feel like they`re going under."

A spokesperson at debt management company Gregory Pennington commented: "Any rise in essential costs can be worrying, especially for those already concerned about debt or other financial problems.

"We would advise anyone who`s worried that their ability to service their debts will be affected by a rise in essential bills to seek advice without delay."