10 March 2008
The largest water firms in Britain are expected to post large profits but are continuing to increase prices, it has been revealed.
Charges at United Utilities have risen by 7% in the past year and profits will jump to £600 million from £567 million, reports the Sunday Mirror.
Moreover, earnings at Northumbrian Water are due to leap to £157 million from £148 million, while Severn Trent is due to see £275 million in profits.
Consumer Council for Water official Tony Smith told the news provider that people are angry because in many cases services have not been improved.
He commented: "Customers are paying higher prices but not getting anything in return."
Water companies in the UK also plan to raise their prices in the next year by 10%, the publication added.
Southern Water recently announced that it is to raise its water charges by 7.8%, the largest hike in the UK alongside Wessex Water, reports the Basingstoke Gazette.