South Bank Utility Rate Referendum to Shape Household Monthly Payments

The South Bank Utility Rate Referendum asks voters to approve a three-year cap on increases to local water and electricity charges set by the municipal utility authority. The measure directly covers the 62,000 households that receive bills from the authority each month.

Local costs for energy and water have climbed in recent years as the authority has raised rates to cover infrastructure repairs listed in its 2025 capital plan. The referendum arrives as residents prepare winter heating budgets and as the authority schedules its next rate review for October.

Changes to Monthly Outlays

Under the proposal, the authority could raise the average residential bill by no more than 2 per cent each year instead of the larger adjustments previously planned. A household now paying £145 a month for combined services would see that amount rise by at most £2.90 annually for the next three years. Renters would feel the change through any utility costs passed on by landlords, while owners would see the limit appear on their direct statements.

The legislation states that the cap would apply only to base rates and would not cover separate storm-water fees or state-mandated environmental charges. Local advocates note that low-income households enrolled in the authority’s existing assistance program would continue to receive an additional 10 per cent discount on top of the capped rates.

Timeline and Next Steps

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters on 15 October and must be returned by 5 November. The authority has published a one-page summary of the measure on its website and will hold two public briefings at the South Bank Civic Centre on 22 and 29 July. If approved, the rate limits would take effect on 1 January 2027.