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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Alex Lawson, Helena Horton, Anna Isaac and Pippa Crerar

Ofwat accused of showing ‘contempt’ to customers over water bill price rises

Two Thames Water vans attending an incident parked on a street
Concern is growing that debt-laden Thames Water may have to be extensively restructured or temporarily nationalised. Photograph: Maureen McLean/Rex/Shutterstock

Politicians and campaigners have condemned proposed water bill rises for England and Wales, accusing the industry regulator of showing “contempt” to customers who have endured poor service, sewage dumping and leaks.

Ofwat’s recommendation on Thursday that households pay on average £94 more over five years to fund improvements in environmental standards was described as a “bitter pill” by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves.

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