Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has responded to Ofwat’s announcement of a £104 billion investment plan for the UK’s water infrastructure, which will result in average household water bills rising by 36% between 2025 and 2030.
In a statement, Julian acknowledged some customer’s concerns over the news and the importance of Yorkshire Water’s role in delivering on this investment.
Commenting, Julian said, “The announcement by Ofwat to increase water bills over the next five years is a decision that will understandably create anxiety for some households across Skipton and Ripon as this rise will place an additional burden on household finances.
“There is also a clear and pressing need to modernise our water infrastructure, and investment is needed in order to tackle pollution, safeguard our drinking water supplies, and address climate change."
Yorkshire Water, which serves much of North and West Yorkshire, are expected to use its share of the additional funding to address key challenges, including:
- Reducing storm overflows: Yorkshire Water expect to deliver a 32% reduction in storm overflows and a 75% reduction in harmful nutrients in rivers.
- Upgrading infrastructure: Yorkshire Water are expected to deliver a 14% reduction in leakage and to help both household and business customers to reduce the amount of water they use by 2%.
- Resilience: Over 2025-30, Yorkshire Water are expected to deliver a 13% reduction in events where it needs to repair burst mains and a 43% reduction in the number of sewers that collapse.
Julian continued: "It is important that every penny of this funding is used transparently and efficiently. I will work closely with Yorkshire Water over this Parliament to ensure the additional money raised from constituents’ water bills is directed toward these critical projects."
"Further, I will continue to press Yorkshire Water and the Government to ensure sufficient support schemes are in place for those struggling to pay their water bills.”
Information for Yorkshire Water customers who need help paying their water bill can be found here: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/bill-account/help-paying-your-bill/.