Water firms in England and Wales ordered to cut £114m from bills

Water companies in England and Wales have been ordered to return £114m to customers through lower bills next year because progress on leakage and sewage spills has been “too slow”. In its annual water company performance report, the regulator, Ofwat, said the majority of water and wastewater companies were underperforming on targets set for 2020-25 to deliver better outcomes, for customers and the environment. As a result, some companies will have to return funds to customers, while others will be able to increase bills.