Ofwat's cost per household to rise 27% in 2024-25

Ofwat is consulting until 23 February on its draft forward programme for 2024-25 which includes a 27% hike in its costs.

Inevitably, the year will be dominated by the price review. According to the programme, draft determinations are scheduled for June and will be followed by two Your water, your say events – one for England and one for Wales – to discuss the key elements of the draft determinations publicly. Representations will be due by the end of August and final determinations by December.

Along with regular features, other activities in the year will include concluding the current enforcement cases into water companies’ operation of their wastewater treatment works and networks, and consulting on the 2025-30 innovation fund.

Ofwat said it will cost £1.84 per household in 2024-25, up from £1.45 in 2023-24. The total estimated licence fee of £51m comprises £0.5m from Thames Tideway, £1.1m from Water Supply and Sewerage Licensees; and the remainder from water company licence fees, which customers fund.