Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the reasons for Severn Trent water rate costs for consumers increasing by 7 per cent in Ashfield compared to 3 to 4 per cent across the UK; and what steps his Department is taking reduce those increased costs.

Severn Trent's increase in their water charges relates to several factors, including an increase in the rate of inflation, new investment to support green economic recovery and revenue adjustments, which corrects previous cost and revenue estimates. These costs and adjustments are in line with the revenue controls set by the regulator, Ofwat, for all water companies. Ofwat carefully scrutinises water company investments to ensure value for customer money.

We expect all companies to make sure their customers are aware of the schemes available for those struggling to pay their bills. That includes bill discount schemes such as Watersure and social tariffs, payment holidays, adjusting payment plans and getting support for customers on managing their personal finances.