Thames Water refused bill rise

Ofwat's decision to reject Thames Waters' bid to increase prices by 8% is final, but Thames Water could appeal to the Competition Commission.

The company said: "We will review the decision carefully before deciding on our next steps."

Water regulator Ofwat has rejected a bid by Thames Water for an additional price hike for 2014 to 2015 of 8%.

Water regulator Ofwat has turned down Thames Water's application for an additional price increase for 2014 to 2015.

Ofwat says it was for Thames Water to justify the proposed 8% increase was in customers’ interests.

Within the three month timescale for assessing the application, the water regulator found the evidence the company submitted did not justify its proposed £29 additional increase in customers' bills.

Ofwat’s decision means the maximum that Thames can add to customers’ bills for 2014-15 is still 1.4% above inflation, as set in the 2009 price review.