Yorkshire Water has come under fire after the utility company announced an above-inflation price hike.
From April, average household water bills in Yorkshire are set to rise by 5.6 per cent — around £2.80 a month.
The company says the increase will help fund an £8.3bn investment package to improve infrastructure and deliver better service for customers.
But critics say the rise comes at the worst possible time for households already struggling with the cost of living, and amid continued public anger over polluted rivers, sewage discharges and poor customer service.
Speaking about the latest increase, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough Tom Gordon said:
“Higher bills, polluted rivers, failing customer service — this is a broken system that rewards failure while customers and the environment pick up the bill.
“I’ve been clear in Parliament: Yorkshire Water’s chief executive Nicola Shaw should resign and take responsibility.”
Jane Parlour, chair of the Liberal Democrat Group in Richmond and Northallerton, added:
“Households across our region are being hit yet again with higher bills, with Yorkshire Water putting prices up by 5.6 per cent and Northumbrian Water customers facing a 6.5 per cent hike — but they’re not seeing higher standards in return.
“People are furious about sewage in our rivers, poor customer service and a system that still rewards failure at the top. It’s Rip-off Britain at its worst.
“If water companies want the public to believe in their promises, it must start with honesty and accountability — including ending the culture of payouts for bosses who fail to deliver.”
Yorkshire Water says it will use the extra money from the increase to invest in improvements to storm overflows, new water sources and installing 350,000 smart meters.
Yorkshire Water has also said it will offer £375m in financial support to 345,000 customers who are struggling.
Matt Pinder, customer director at Yorkshire Water, said:
“This is our largest ever investment package – designed to drive significant progress in areas we know are important to our customers. We’ve already delivered a huge number of infrastructure projects – over 200 in 2025 – and it’s important that we keep that momentum going over the next year, and beyond.
“The money we collect from customer bills, alongside shareholder investment and borrowing, will be spent on a wide variety of improvements across the region – from improvements to storm overflows to mains replacements and bringing in new water resources – alongside delivering a better service for our customers.”
Driver jailed after 130mph police chase ends in Knaresborough
Historic Harrogate hotel put up for sale for £1.45million
Harrogate pupils uncover school's past as Victorian hospital
Harrogate nursery celebrates 'strong standard' after Ofsted inspection
Henshaws launches urgent £10,000 appeal following water damage
UK Foo Fighters to perform at Your Harrogate Stray bonfire and fireworks
Ripon detectorist calls Bayeux Tapestry a 'medieval stitch-up'
Valley Gardens among top winners at Yorkshire in Bloom awards
New opening date revealed for Harrogate bookshop
Harrogate toy retailer cuts prices every time Town striker scores
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens
Diesel prices rise above £2 a litre in Harrogate area
New woodland sauna and cold plunge opens in Harrogate
Brackenfield School in Harrogate praised by inspectors ahead of 50th anniversary
Harrogate hotel chef shortlisted for 'Oscars of hospitality'
Public consultation could be held on Ripon street pedestrianisation plans
Masham pupils surprise lifelong resident on her 100th birthday
Knaresborough Matalan to reopen following refurbishment
£5m project begins to improve River Nidd water quality
Campaigners call for changes to school transport consultation amid "tick-box" criticism
