Water bills for households in Lincolnshire served by Anglian Water will rise by £12 on average this year.
Anglian Water, which covers Lincolnshire and East Anglia, will raise its bills by 2.8%, slightly below the inflation level at the time prices were set.
This will mean bills will rise by 4% (£12) for customers. The 4% rise takes into account the rise in inflation, plus an extra 1% for Anglian Water’s investment programme, costing £466 million.
The rate of inflation is added to bills on a year-by-year basis. Since 2009-10, the average bill has risen slightly below (by 0.7%) the rate of inflation.
The rise in price will mostly affect customers who are not using a water meter. Around 70% of Anglian Water customers use a water meter.
The majority of water and sewerage services in the UK had to raise their prices due to changes in the level of inflation, which is currently at 3%.
Martyn Oakley, Anglian Water’s Customer Services Director, said: “The real winners this year will be those customers who make the switch from an unmeasured bill to a water meter.
“For those already on a meter or who stick with bills tied to the old rateable value of their home, the rise will be about 4%, although customers with a meter will see smaller rises than those without.”
He added: “[Anglian Water’s investment programme] will allow us to maintain and improve our essential equipment above and below ground, support growth and recovery in these tough economic times, and protect our environment against the impacts of climate change.”
More specifically, Anglian Water will spend the £466 million on replacement and renewal of water mains, costing around £25 million, £15 million on an advanced digestion plant to produce renewable energy from sewage, £7 million to connect homes to mains sewers for the first time, £6 million on a new water treatment works near Louth and several other projects across the region.
Across the UK, bills will rise on average by £13. Thames Water will rise its prices the most, with a 5.5% increase for customers.
Regina Finn, CEO at Ofwat, the water and sewerage regulator, said: “Customers can’t choose their supplier. It’s our job to make sure they are protected.
“Back in 2009, companies wanted bill rises of 10% above inflation. That didn’t chime with what customers told us they wanted, so we said they could only increase bills in-line with inflation.
“We understand that there is huge pressure on household incomes, and any rise is unwelcome. Inflation is driving these increases.”
The bill changes for 2013-14 year will come into effect on April 1 through to March 31, 2014.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.