Southern Water has announced that average household bills will increase again starting in April 2026.
Key Bill Changes for 2026/27
- Combined Services: Customers receiving both water and wastewater services will see an average 8% increase, raising the typical annual bill from £704 to £759.
- Water-Only Services: These customers face a steeper average rise of 25.8%, roughly £6.06 more per month.
- Wastewater-Only Services: Bills for these customers are expected to decrease by 4%, saving an average of £1.39 per month.
Why are bills rising?
The company states that "every penny" of the increase will be reinvested into its £8.5 billion five-year investment programme. Key areas for this funding include:
- Upgrading ageing infrastructure to reduce sewage discharges into rivers and seas.
- Improving long-term water supply resilience against climate change and population growth.
- Meeting rising costs for energy, chemicals, and materials.
Available Support
Southern Water is expanding its financial assistance to reach approximately 10% of its customer base (nearly 200,000 households).
- Bill Discounts: Eligible customers can receive a minimum discount of 45% through Southern Water’s Social Tariffs.
- Hardship Fund: Access to one-off bill reductions, home grants, and debt write-offs.
- WaterSure: A cap for metered customers on specific benefits who have high water usage for medical or family reasons.
Would you like to check if you are eligible for one of these financial support schemes or see how to apply for a water meter to lower your costs?
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