Water companies are pleading with regulators to let them raise bills

Britain’s struggling water companies are pleading with regulators to let them raise bills after being warned they will be forced to pay extra tax following the budget raid.

The industry has estimated that all water companies in England and Wales will pay a total of £400 million extra over five years.

Water groups have warned that if costs are not passed on to customers, salary caps or recruitment freezes could be imposed, the Sunday Times reports.

The watchdog will decide on December 19 how much water companies can charge for the next five years.

Concerns: Water groups have warned that if costs are not passed on to customers, salary caps or hiring freezes could be imposed

DIY INVESTMENT PLATFORMS

Easy investing and ready-made portfolios

A. J. Bell

Easy investing and ready-made portfolios

A. J. Bell

Easy investing and ready-made portfolios

Free fund trading and investment ideas

Hargreaves Lansdown

Free fund trading and investment ideas

Hargreaves Lansdown

Free fund trading and investment ideas

Invest for a fixed amount from € 4.99 per month

interactive investor

Invest for a fixed amount from € 4.99 per month

interactive investor

Invest for a fixed amount from € 4.99 per month

Get £200 back in trading fees

Sax

Get £200 back in trading fees

Sax

Get £200 back in trading fees

Free trading and no account fees

Trade 212

Free trading and no account fees

Trade 212

Free trading and no account fees

Affiliate links: If you purchase a product, This is Money may earn a commission. These deals have been chosen by our editors because we believe they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.

Compare the best investment account for you