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Huge changes to water companies set out this week will 'make bills fair'

Huge changes to water companies set out this week will 'make bills fair'

Daily Mirror6 days ago
Ministers have told firms they must do more if they want to restore public trust - as complaints continue to rise and half of Brits feel they're being ripped off.
Water company bosses are bracing themselves ahead of a report that's expected to demand sweeping changes to the industry this week.

Ministers have told firms they must do more if they want to restore public trust - as complaints continue to rise and half of Brits feel they're being ripped off.

MPs and watchdogs have to wade through a steady stream of locals complaining about floods, burst pipes and loss of service.

In one case, a dog was left with E.coli poisoning after playing in a polluted river.
Others have seen businesses losing thousands of pounds after their water supply was unexpectedly cut off - with no compensation offered.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed is set to pledge to cut sewage pollution in half within five years - promising one of the largest infrastructure projects in England's history to clean up our rivers.

And it's thought the Government is primed to announce regulator Ofwat is to be scrapped in response to the Independent Water Commission's report, to be published on Monday.
Water Minister Emma Hardy told the Sunday Mirror only 'root and branch reform' will restore public faith in water firms.
'In 21st century Britain, clean rivers, lakes and seas should be a basic right and not a luxury, but consumers are being failed by the current system,' she said.

'We have already ended the culture of unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses and secured £104 billion of investment to begin the job of upgrading our crumbling infrastructure.
'But we know that root and branch reform is vital to put the British public at the heart of water company priorities. They must be properly run, with bills that are fair and sustainable for households.'
Monday's report, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe examined regulation, water bills and support for customers.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Families have watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution.
'My pledge to you: the Government will halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade.
'One of the largest infrastructure projects in England's history will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.'
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Labour urged to overhaul crucial pension-age benefit claimed by millions
Labour urged to overhaul crucial pension-age benefit claimed by millions

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Labour urged to overhaul crucial pension-age benefit claimed by millions

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KEIR STARMER: 'The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end now'
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KEIR STARMER: 'The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end now'

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New study reveals the cities where Brits have most disposable income in 2025
New study reveals the cities where Brits have most disposable income in 2025

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New study reveals the cities where Brits have most disposable income in 2025

Link is copied Comments If you're coupled up in the UK, some cities will be kinder to you financially. That's according to new research from specialist mortgage lender Pepper Money, anyway. The company recently conducted a study to find where British couples have the least and most disposable income, and you'll be surprised by the results. While a northern gem came out on top, other cities - that are renowned for being pricey - also fared particularly well (Picture: Getty Images) Pepper Money explained that, while wages across the UK are rising, many Brits are finding they have less money left at the end of the month in certain areas. This means the average Brit's disposable income is shrinking, despite a national living wage increase and higher median salaries. The research - based on couples who own a home together - looked at essential outgoings such as mortgages, utility bills, and car finance, plus average wages. 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While it's not the cheapest place to live, it is considered generally more affordable than other major cities. In May 2025, the ONS revealed that the average house price here is £241,000. From exploring the historic Kirkgate Market to grabbing cocktails at one of the many indie bars, there's a lot to spend your extra cash on in Leeds (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,352.12 Total bills: £1,381 Average disposable income available: £971.33 The third northern (and second Yorkshire) city to make the list is Sheffield. The cost of living is significantly lower than Manchester's - according to the Sheffield College, it's 10% lower than the national average, and 25% lower than London. House prices here average at £221,000 as of January 2025 (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,226.75 Total bills: £1,248 Average disposable income available: £978.80 Liverpool has so much going for it. From the iconic Docks to delving into the music scene at the Cavern Club, there's never a dull moment in the city. And, there's always an activity to spend your cash on. Expatistan estimates the cost of living in Liverpool is 47% cheaper than London, while house prices average around £180,000. This is way cheaper than the previous fellow northern cities on this list (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,257.82 Total bills: £1,241 Average disposable income available: £1,016.72 Further down south to the Midlands now, and Nottingham has come in at a respectable sixth place. According to whatuni, the cost of living in Nottingham is quite close to the national average, but is around 18% cheaper than London. But, Rightmove prices houses a little higher, at £265,448 on average. With couples having over a grand to spend per month, it's worth checking out Nottingham Castle, the City of Caves, and the Old Market Square (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,120.69 Total bills: £1,100 Average disposable income available: £1,020.95 In 2024, the cost of living in Belfast was around 37% lower than in London. As of the first quarter of 2024, the average house price in Northern Ireland's capital was approximately £216,098. There's so much to do in Belfast that suits every kind of person, from taking part in a seisiún (traditional Irish music session) in a local pub to diving into the city's history at Belfast City Hall. Or, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of St. George's Market (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,439.84 Total bills: £1,300 Average disposable income available: £1,140.18 Glasgow is considered to be more affordable than Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, and the UK's capital in general. Living in Glasgow is, on average, 20% cheaper than in London and 10% cheaper than the rest of the UK. House prices are also way more affordable, coming in at £188,000 as per the ONS. And, with almost £1,200 to spare after monthly outgoings, couples can enjoy the best of the Scottish city. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and strolling through the Glasgow Botanic Gardens are highlights. Glasgow also has a thriving nightlife ready and waiting for you to splash the cash, too (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,760.42 Total bills: £1,581 Average disposable income available: £1,179.25 Considering Edinburgh is renowned for being an incredibly expensive city, it's quite shocking to see it offering one of the highest disposable incomes in the UK. In 2023, it was actually named the third most expensive city to live in in the UK. Still, for home-owning couples (the average price sits at around £295,000), Edinburgh is a vibrant city that can provide a high standard of living. From the annual Fringe festival, exploring Edinburgh Castle to taking part in a Scotch Whisky Experience, there's never a dull moment in the Scottish capital (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,671.22 Total bills: £1,340 Average disposable income available: £1,331.11 At number two is Coventry, where couples have over £1,300 to fritter away each month. In contrast to Edinburgh, the cost of living is a lot lower here. So are house prices, averaging around £224,000. Though Coventry isn't considered a 'day tripping' kind of town, it has a lot to offer residents. This includes Coventry Cathedral and FarGo Village, the city's creative quarter (Picture: Getty Images) Average monthly salary: £2,775.69 Total bills: £1,304 Average disposable income available: £1,471.27 Last but not least, it's Newcastle. With almost £1,500 of disposable income for couples, the city can be enjoyed without having to stress too much about money. Not only this, but Newcastle is known for being quite an affordable place to live: it's 23.0% less expensive than London, and has an average house price of £237,760. So, what can you spend your hard-earned cash on? Why not catch a show at the Theatre Royal, immerse yourself in live music at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, or take a guided tour of Victoria Tunnel, a preserved 19th-century coal waggonway and wartime air-raid shelter. Even walking through the cobbled streets of Newcastle, and hopping into one of the many restaurants and bars, is a lovely way to while away your spare time (Picture: Getty Images)

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