Responding to the publication of the CCW Affordability Review, Christine McGourty, Water UK Chief Executive, said:

"We welcome the publication of CCW's Affordability Review, which could not come at a more important time. Water companies believe bills should be affordable for all customers, whatever their circumstances and wherever they live, and that a new approach to supporting people who are struggling financially is needed.

"Levels of support for customers have never been greater. Over the past year water companies have gone to unprecedented lengths to help hundreds of thousands of household customers who could least afford their bills, with support such as payment breaks and extra assistance for those most in need - but we know there's more to be done.

"The Review's bold and far-reaching recommendations on social tariffs will enable real progress to be made towards the shared goal of ending water poverty. We look forward to continuing to work with CCW, Defra, the Welsh Government and other stakeholders to take forward the proposed new approach to social tariffs, as well as considering the many other recommendations in the report."