Britain: Households struggling to pay their water bills increased by 33%

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37% of respondents said they struggle to pay both their gas bill and 35% their electricity bill

Against households increased by 33% since May, in England and Wales, struggling to pay their water bills, according to a report by the water regulator, as rising living costs weigh on household budgets.

Ofwat, the authority that oversees water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, said a Savanta survey of 2,328 consumers, carried out between October 4-13, found that the proportion of those struggling to pay their bills reached 20%, from 15% that was in May.

However, energy bills remain the main problem for consumers. The 37% of respondents said they are struggling to pay the bill of gas (from 29% in May) and 35% the electricity bill (from 27% previously).

Of those struggling to pay their bills, one in three (33%) said they had asked friends and family to borrow money. 17% used credit cards to pay them and 13% took out a short-term loan.

Inflation in Britain hit 11.1% in October, the highest level in 41 years, mainly due to rising energy prices.

Two-thirds of those who took part in the Ofwat survey said they thought their financial situation would worsen over the next year.

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