Customers set to get rebate in their water bills but price hikes could wipe them out

Households are due to share nearly £158million in rebates from .

The payouts will come because the industry’s already dismal record has worsened. incidents have fallen by just 2% since 2020, despite a pledge of 30% and nine of the 11 big water firms oversaw an increase in pollution incidents last year.

And while firms promised to cut leaks by 16%, they have managed just 6%. Customer satisfaction has also fallen to a record low.

But for most customers, their rebate – due in their bills in the new year – will be more than wiped out by a wave of price hikes proposed by suppliers.

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James Wallace, Chief Executive of River Action, called the £158million of penalties “a drop in the ocean”.

He added: “The regulatory and financial system that has perpetuated the scandal of profiteering water companies must change now.”

David Black, Chief Executive of regulator Ofwat, said: “This year’s performance report is stark evidence that money alone will not bring the improvements customers rightly expect.

“Companies need to change and that has to start with addressing issues of culture and leadership.”