THE average South West Water bill for 2019/20 will be lower than it was 10 years ago, while at the same time the company is continuing to invest significantly to improve its services.

It says bills have been kept down by delivering services to customers more efficiently.

From April 1, the company’s average annual bill for water and wastewater services will be £491, compared to £493 in 2009/10.

This follows a series of price freezes, bill reductions and below inflation rises in recent years, reflecting customer wishes to keep bills as low as possible whilst delivering the improvements customers have said are a priority to them.

By contrast, many other water companies are announcing price increases, including some above inflation bill rises.

While keeping bills down, South West Water continues to spend significant amounts on maintaining and improving its services.

Investment highlights for 2019/20, which will help sustain around 6,000 jobs in the region, include:

• Upgrading water treatment works in Falmouth to maintain top quality drinking water;

• Launching the state-of-the-art Mayflower Water Treatment Works supplying Plymouth and the surrounding area, ensuring efficient services and top-quality water supplies for now and future generations;

• Improving land management in 11 river catchments for healthier rivers and lower-cost water treatment;

• Targeting industry-leading leakage performance and minimising the time taken to repair significant leaks;

• Working closely with the Environment Agency and other stakeholder groups, including local councils, to identify and mitigate potential flooding issues;

• Continuing to promote our range of Priority Services for those who need extra support and

• Delivering our best customer service and continuing to reduce household customer complaints which have reduced by almost half since 2015/16.

Customers will also continue to benefit from the £50 Government Contribution. In addition, the company actively encourages householders to have a free water meter fitted as this can save customers up to £400 a year.

Customers can trial a meter for two years, switching back to unmeasured charges if they decide it is not for them.

South West Water will also continue its pioneering work with Citizens Advice and social housing providers to support even more customers who find themselves in difficult circumstances and who struggle most to pay their bills.

More than 55,000 customers have already benefited from our various support schemes.

Customers’ individual bills will vary dependent on a range of factors, including water usage, the rateable value of their house and whether they are on a meter or not.

The announcement follows last week’s announcement by regulator Ofwat that South West Water’s business plan for 2020-25 has been fast-tracked for approval.

Entitled a “New Deal”, it heralds even lower average bills; extra investment, including the biggest environmental programme for 15 years; and, uniquely, a stake for customers in South West Water’s parent company, Pennon Group Plc, and a greater say in how the water company is run.