Martin lewis' mse says escape £123 water bill hike with one item

MR LEWIS, WARNS "THE MAJORITY OF HOUSEHOLDS IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES WILL SEE WATER AND SEWERAGE CHARGES RISE". 05:53, 31 Jan 2025 Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert says

UK households can dodge water bill hikes - using a water meter. MSE, the site founded by BBC and ITV star Mr Lewis, warns "the majority of households in England, Scotland and Wales

will see water and sewerage charges rise". The hikes from April mean, in England and Wales, the average forecast bill increase (including November's Consumer Prices Index (CPI)

measure of inflation) for water and sewerage firms is £123 (26%) In Scotland, water and sewerage prices depend on your council tax band and are generally paid alongside your council tax. For

2025/26, the average bill will increase by £44 a year (9.9%). But sharing tips on how to cut down your bill, Mr Lewis' team said: "Switch to a free water meter. If you live in

England or Wales and there are more bedrooms in your home than people, getting a free water meter could help you save £100s as you only pay for what you use instead of a fixed amount. READ

MORE ITALY ISSUES WARNING TO UK TOURISTS AND SAYS 'IT IS UNACCEPTABLE' "To get a water meter installed, head to your provider's website and see if you can apply –

you'll usually need to fill in an application form – or give it a call and ask." Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said: “These rises are the

largest we’ve seen since privatisation and will heap considerable pressure on millions of customers who are already having to make difficult choices. Customers want to see investment in

improving services and cleaning up our rivers but that can’t come at an unbearable cost to struggling households.” Article continues below “Around 2.5 million households are already in debt

to their water company and there is a danger that number will grow unless some companies show more ambition around financial support. The existing safety net for customers who cannot afford

their water bill is not strong enough. That’s why we urgently need a single social tariff scheme to provide fair and consistent support across England and Wales.”