REGULATIONS which have come into force this month could see households across Wales with more affordable water bills.

The Water Industry Regulations 2014, which were laid before the Assembly in December, will help the water and sewerage industry reduce the level of debt, meaning lower bills.

The Minister for Natural Resources, Carl Sargeant said the average customer could be seeing an extra £20 added to their bill thanks to attempts to recover outstanding charges from other customers.

He said: “This is not right and our Tackling Poverty Action Plan makes it clear that the introduction of a fairer and more streamlined system for recovering outstanding charges is one of our priorities for the sector.”

Now, all owners of residential properties who let the property to someone else must provide basic information about the occupiers to their relevant water company.

If the owner fails to provide the information within 21 days they will become jointly and severally liable with the occupier for any water and sewerage charges incurred during the period.

Mr Sargeant said: “Occupiers will benefit from the new approach, as they will be made aware of charges earlier, helping them to budget accordingly and ensuring they receive information about support for paying their bills, such as social tariffs, assistance funds or payment plans.”

The resolutions came into force on January 1.