Newtown water bills to rise 20%!

It was something that we had to read twice when we first received it, but Hafren Dyfrdwy has confirmed it will be putting up Newtown area water bills by a whopping 19.5%.

The unbelievable increase was red flagged by the Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for our area, Glyn Preston from Llanidloes, over the weekend and we double checked with the water company who confirmed the rise last night.

“The Hafren Dyfrdwy water and wastewater bill continues to be the lowest in Wales and we remain committed to keeping the bill affordable,” claimed James Jesic, Managing Director of Hafren Dyfrdwy.

“During the past few years, we have kept our bill as low as possible and like many businesses we’re seeing rising costs as well as making increased investment to a secure water supply for generations to come.

“We understand that any increase in household bills can be worrying, which is why there is help available to customers who may need it. A range of support packages are available such as the Here2Help Scheme and we have extended our financial support to help 40% more customers this year.”

Despite the inflation-busting rise, the company claims to be £60 cheaper than Welsh Water, with the rise expected to add £72 to the average water bill.

The movie has been criticised by Mr Preston who called it “disgraceful”.

“People in Montgomeryshire & Glyndŵr should not have to endure this disgraceful price hike,” he said.

“During a cost-of-living crisis, it is a slap in the face to all those in our community who now have to pay more to water companies who have for years been pumping filthy sewage into our rivers.

“This insulting price hike should be scrapped immediately. There should be no price rises until water firms scrap insulting overseas dividends and exec bonuses.”

The company explained that the rise is needed to cover increased costs and future investment plans.

For customers who may need financial support to pay their water bills, visit WaterSure and the Here2Help Scheme.