A PENSIONERS’ organisation has slammed the latest rise in water bills by the firm which serves this area.

Water regulator Ofwat has given companies across England the go-ahead to increase charges for water and sewerage.

The average rise is 5.8%, increasing the bill from £312 to £330 a year.

But in this area United Utilities will slap on an extra 7.5%, which has prompted criticism from Help the Aged.

Its head of policy, David Sinclair, said: “Pensioners in the North West are again facing inflation-busting bills for vital household services.

“On top of Council Tax bills and energy cost increases, older people will be hit especially hard by these rises.”

He added: “Water poverty is incredibly serious, yet the Government and the water industry seem to be turning a blind eye.

“Pensioners have next to no help or support with managing their water bills – for some a water meter may help to save money.

“Constant news of rising bills is yet another reason why the Government must no longer shy away from tackling pensioner poverty.

“One in five UK older people survive below the poverty line – when all the spiralling household bills are paid they are left with less and less each year to afford basics like food and clothes. It’s high time the Government made the automatic payment of benefits a reality.”

Ofwat says the yearly rises allow water companies to invest in water quality, leakage, customer service and the environment.

Dame Yve Buckland, national chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Water bills are rising but customers tell us that they cannot always see recognisable benefits in return for these higher prices, which have increased dramatically since privatisation.

“This has been a profitable price review for the water companies and the onus is now on these companies to show consumers how service for them will improve with the further funding.

“In advance of the next price review to be decided in 2009, which sets prices for 2010 to 2015, we have already made it clear to the regulators and the companies their plans for investing in water services must be at a level that customers are willing and able to pay for.”

She added: “We recognise that people are facing a number of rising costs at this time, and so many customers on low and fixed incomes may struggle to keep up with bill rises. We would encourage anyone in this situation to contact their local water company as soon as possible.”