Southern Water wants to raise bills by 84 per cent to £772 by 2030, compared with the £603 the regulator proposed. The UK’s biggest water firm, the embattled Thames Water, is seeking a 53 per cent increase in bills. The industry body Water UK has argued that Ofwat’s proposed limits would slow down efforts to clean up rivers and seas with more storm tanks and other measures.

Figures published by Ofwat on Tuesday show that water companies want to raise average bills by 40 per cent by 2030, compared with the 21 per cent, or £94, increase the regulator suggested in a draft ruling in July.

Out of the 11 water companies in England and Wales, it is just Wessex Water that has not requested higher prices since the decision was made in July. On average, companies have called for a 40% increase in bills on average instead of the proposed 21%, as reported by Sky News and www.thetimes.com