GMB: Charlotte shares news on water bill increases
Charlotte Hawkins halted Good Morning Britain to deliver some breaking news.
During Thursday's instalment (December 19) of the ITV programme, Charlotte had prepped viewers for an expected surge in bills by at least 21 percent over the forthcoming five years.
However, this was not the case.
Charlotte, presenting with Richard Madeley, handed over to correspondent Richard Gaisford who shared his live report from Langstone Harbour, eagerly anticipating OFWAT's announcement regarding the hike in water bills.
He remarked: "Well, we're just hearing from the regulator OFWAT that, on average, across England and Wales, water bills will go up over the next five years by 36 per cent.
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"That's the average figure here in the Southern water region; we're expecting a 53 percent rise in those water bills to pay for so much of the mess that we've been talking about this morning.
"That means that in this part of the world, people's bills will go up by some £222 over that five-year period, so a significant rise for so many people as we've been talking about this morning at a time when so many people can least afford it."
This means household water bills in England and Wales will increase by an average £31 a year over the next five years.
Addressing the figures, Charlotte declared: "That's a significant amount of money, isn't it for people? In a typical household."
Richard agreed: "It's a lot more than what anyone was expecting, we were expecting 21% and £20 a year, but 36% and £31. That's the average!"
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The I'm A Celeb star was in sheer disbelief at the news that water bills in the Southern region are set to skyrocket by 53 percent, a development that comes as a double blow since many residents are already grappling with supply issues.
Charlotte chimed in to mention that OFWAT has defended the hike, claiming it is to fund a colossal £104 billion revamp of the water sector, promising significant and enduring enhancements for both customers and the environment.
The increase in bills will pay for upgrades to pipes and reservoirs that water firms argue are sorely needed - but will also go towards paying investors.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said that consumers would be "angry" at the hikes to the cost of water.
The bill rises will take place from April 2025.
