Huhne slams Southern Water bill increases

3.00.00pm GMT Tue 26th Feb 2008

Local Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne today spoke out against inflation-busting water bill increases for Hampshire households.

Southern Water, who last year were fined £20.3 million, will increase water prices by an average of 7.8%. Even after the 1.5% reduction - imposed after the company deliberately misreported its customer service performance - the increase is still the highest in the country.

Commenting Mr Huhne said:

"Southern Water customers have been hit by a double whammy. Over the past few years Southern Water have delivered poor customer service and now they are delivering the largest bill increase in the country.

"As a Southern Water rate payer I am disgusted by their poor performance and sky high prices. The average household water bill is now almost £358 a year, an increase of £26 on last year. With Southern Water making £94.1 million profit last year, we need tough regulation to ensure customers aren't being ripped off."

"It is also ridiculous that Hampshire water rate payers should be stumping up for water investment needed in Kent and the Thames Gateway. This should be paid from developers gains."