Water `could join list of growing bills`

Water bills could increase this summer, according to Thisismoney.co.uk, with utility companies considering `rationing by price` to help combat the effects of climate change.

One regional water company, Wessex Water, has already trialled a system in which customers are charged more during the summer. This led to a 6% drop in water usage last summer.

If water bills do rise, they will add to the financial pressure faced by many households from growing bills and other household costs. Energy bills increased earlier this year and experts believe they are likely to do so again later in the year.

An expert at debt management company Gregory Pennington said: "We`d advise people to prepare themselves for higher bills in the coming months.

"Now is a good time for people to start planning a strict budget, or cutting back on a few non-essentials to make more room for higher bills. A few small changes now could make all the difference in the future.

"But there will be people who are barely able to cover their bills as it is - particularly those with debt problems - and they could really struggle when bills rise. We advise anyone concerned about their ability to cope to get expert advice on the best way to protect themselves financially."