Consumers 'hung out to dry' by water rates postcode lottery
By myfinances.co.uk staff
British households are facing a "new postcode lottery" over water charges, uSwitch.com has warned.
The independent comparison site said that while water bills are set to fall by an average of 0.78 per cent - or £2.58 - this year nationally, some households could face higher charges depending on what their regional supplier has agreed with industry regulator Ofwat.
According to its figures, those served by Northumbrian Water will face a price hike of 3.5 per cent - or £11 - this year.
This contrasts with a 4.3 per cent - or £16 - reduction for customers signed up with United Utilities.
Ann Robinson, uSwitch.com's director of consumer policy, said: "Unfortunately, because consumers are obliged to be with their local supplier they can be held to ransom in this way - they cannot switch to a company offering better value in their area."
She added that one of the best ways to keep costs down is to install a water meter, as this can cut outgoings by around £56 a year.
According to Ofwat, the average water and sewerage bill for England and Wales in 2010-11 will be £339.
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