Liberal Democrats blast sewage dumping as water bills set to rise by 10.5% in North West

Oldham Liberal Democrat councillors have slammed United Utilities bosses following news that average water bills are set to rise by 10.5% this year.

The sharp rise in bills comes despite United Utilities and other water companies being prevented from issuing more than £4 million in bonuses to top bosses in 2025. The bonuses were blocked by the water regulator OFWAT, who cited sewage dumping and poor performance as grounds for banning the bonuses.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “These increases to household bills will be very unwelcome at a time where wages are stretched and most families are under strain.  With more than £4 million in bonuses held back last year, it begs the question, why are water companies pursuing such aggressive price hikes?”

The North West will see even higher costs than the national average, which is set to be 5.4% across England.  Meanwhile, government data shows water companies discharged sewage for over 3.6 million hours across England last year.

Councillor Sykes said, “The crisis of industrial sewage dumping is showing no sign of slowing.  It’s a disgusting mark of shame that water companies are being allowed to destroy our rivers and streams while passing ever rising costs onto ordinary people.”