Southern Water Bills Set To Rise By 8% From April

Southern Water customers across Sussex will face another increase in their household bills from April, with average combined water and wastewater charges rising by eight per cent.

The hike follows last year’s sharp increase of nearly 47 per cent, which the company said was needed after a decade of largely static bills.

Southern Water now says it is trying to smooth further rises over the coming years to make them more manageable.

The company is pressing ahead with an £8.5 billion investment programme running until 2030, aimed at cutting sewage spills into rivers and coastal waters, tackling flooding and pollution, and improving the resilience of water supplies as climate change and population growth put more strain on the system.

Customers will see differing impacts depending on the services they receive.

Those on water-only supplies will face an average rise of 25.8 per cent, while wastewater-only customers are expected to see bills fall by around four per cent.

Business customers will also see increases in water charges, partly offset by lower wastewater costs.

Southern Water says the price rise will also help fund expanded financial support, with around 10 per cent of customers now eligible for discounted bills, payment plans or hardship assistance.

Defending the increase, the company said all money raised would be reinvested into infrastructure and service improvements, rather than paid to shareholders.

Despite this, the rise is likely to add to pressure on households already struggling with higher living costs, with further bill increases planned over the next four years.