Water bills rise: Helen Maguire slams Government as 31% increase in Epsom & Ewell confirmed

Responding to the news that water bills are confirmed as set to soar by 31% in Epsom & Ewell, Liberal Democrat MP, Helen Maguire, has slammed the Government for giving water companies “free rein”.

Helen Maguire and the Liberal Democrats have called for the government to implement a single social tariff urgently to support vulnerable customers struggling to meet their water bills, no matter where they live.

Bills for Thames Water customers are set to rise by £151 over the next year, an increase of 31% (over £10 per month).

The move comes as sewage continues to cause serious issues in Epsom & Ewell, with the River Mole suffering over 2000 hours more pollution in 2024, compared with 2023.

Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, said:

”This is an outrageous bill rise. Instead of tackling Thames Water or taking them to task, the Government has given them free rein - and residents in Epsom & Ewell are paying the price.

“It’s a disgrace that water companies have been able to hike our bills - a third of which goes on servicing debt - while they fail to fix leaks and pollute our rivers and streams like the River Mole and the Hogsmill.

“Bill payers are being penalised for the failure of water companies to invest well and provide a good service for customers and the environment. This cannot go on. The people of Epsom & Ewell deserve better.”