WATER bills across the north-west should rise by an average £9 next year, says industry regulator Ofwat.
It agrees with a plea by Warrington-based United Utilities for a one-off hike in domestic prices.
The price rise will meet rising construction and environmental costs and cover the £30m it had to write off last year because of the number of customers who refuse to pay their bills.
The rise, if approved, will take the average annual water bill in the north-west to £272 from next April.
Ofwat is also in the process of considering how much bills should rise between 2005 and 2010, but any increases for that period will take into account today's proposed hike, the regulator said.
The case for the one-off rise will now go to public consultation until November 26 and Ofwat expects to announce its final decision on December 11.
Ofwat director general Philip Fletcher, said: "After looking very closely at the company's claims we have concluded that we need to raise their price limit. The extra costs they face are substantial enough to require an increase in bills.
"I regret the need for an increase, but I have a responsibility to ensure that efficient water companies can finance the services they provide to customers."
He added: "I will carefully consider comments from customers, companies and other stakeholders on these draft proposals before I make my final decisions."
United Utilities was unavailable for comment.
