Water Bill Hikes in Cheadle: Tom Morrison Calls for Overhaul of Water Regulation

Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, has condemned the news that local water bills are set to rise by £142—a staggering 32% increase—by 2029. Morrison has labelled the increase a “national scandal” and is calling for a major overhaul of the water regulation system, including the scrapping of Ofwat, the current water regulator.

With households across Cheadle already struggling in the midst of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the planned bill increases will put additional pressure on families in the area. United Utilities, the local water supplier, has been under fire recently for paying out £1.4 million in bonuses to its executives, despite the company’s failure to address local pollution issues and leaky infrastructure.

Morrison and the Liberal Democrats are demanding the creation of a new, effective water regulator that will hold companies like United Utilities to account for their actions. In addition, the party is calling for the introduction of a single social tariff to help eliminate water poverty and ensure that those struggling most financially are not left behind.

Tom Morrison said:
“This is an insult and a kick in the teeth for families in Cheadle and across the North West who are already grappling with soaring living costs. The fact that water companies are being allowed to pollute our rivers, neglect vital infrastructure, and reward their executives with huge bonuses while households face huge bill increases is simply outrageous.

“Enough is enough. The Liberal Democrats are calling for Ofwat to be scrapped and replaced with a tough new regulator that will put the interests of customers first and make sure these companies are held accountable.”

United Utilities customers in Cheadle will see their water bills rise by £142 by 2029, a 32% increase that will add to the financial burden already faced by many in the area. The Liberal Democrats are demanding urgent action to address this issue and ensure that water bills remain affordable for all.