Millions of households will see their water bills rise by more than previously agreed after five companies complained to the competitions watchdog. Ofwat had previously allowed 16 water companies to increase bills by an average of £157 over a five-year period, between 2025 to 2030. But five of these firms – Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water – argued that this decision meant they would be unable to meet regulatory requirements. The companies