A sharp rise in complaints against water companies has been recorded, with the number of cases reported to the industry watchdog jumping 84%.
Many of the grievances were about affordability, according to the figures, as customers reacted to steep increases in their bills. Households told the regulator they were struggling to meet higher charges, prompting a spike in contacts citing payment difficulty and request for support.
The surge in complaints is likely to intensify scrutiny of both the companies that supply water and the regulator responsible for overseeing service standards and consumer protection. Consumer groups have previously warned that rising household bills can lead to increased financial stress for vulnerable customers, and the recent rise in complaints will renew focus on how firms handle affordability and debt.
Water companies and regulators face pressure to explain the causes of increases in charges and to outline measures to help customers in difficulty. The watchdog will be expected to monitor how firms respond to affordability concerns and whether additional interventions or guidance are required to protect consumers.
The increase in complaints also comes amid wider public attention on utility costs, with households across sectors contending with higher bills. How the regulator and companies address the spike in consumer contacts will be watched closely by campaigners, customers and policymakers alike.