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Your water bills will still be going up despite reforms

Sunderland Echo

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July 22, 2025

Water industry changes won't prevent a 30% increase in costs

Ofwat will be abolished as part of an overhaul of a broken water regulation system that failed customers and the environment, the Government has confirmed.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed made the announcement in response to an independent review by Sir Jon Cunliffe commissioned by the Government to answer public fury over pollution in rivers, lakes and seas, soaring bills, shareholder pay outs and bosses' bonuses.

Sir Jon said the review has "tried to attack the problem from all sides" but warned that bills are going to rise by 30% over the next five years.

Mr Reed said the move to create a single powerful regulator taking in the functions of four existing bodies with overlapping functions would curb pollution and "prevent the abuses of the past for customers".

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