Water firms reveal price plans

UK water firms have announced their pricing intentions for the five-year period starting from 2010. Welsh Water says its average bills will only rise at the rate of inflation, Thames water anticipates rises of about 3 per cent above the rate of inflation, and Northumbrian water expects rises of 1.3 per cent above inflation.

The firms are required to submit their draft spending and pricing plans to regulator Ofwat.