Both will raise dividends in line with inflation, as South West Water and United Utilities bills to increase 23% and 32% over five years

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Two of England’s privatised water monopolies, the South West Water owner Pennon and United Utilities, have said they will increase dividend payments to investors, as they prepare to raise household bills.

The companies said they had accepted the regulator Ofwat’s final determination of what they may charge customers – removing the possibility of an appeal to try to argue that bills should be higher. The decisions mean the companies will go ahead with increases in bills of 23% for South West Water and 32% for United Utilities over five years from April.