Water meters may be compulsory

The government believes metering is one of the fairest options but could hit the elderly and large families hard.

An independent review has reported that the current way of charging water is unfair and does not encourage the efficient use of water.

It is thought that the Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, will approve of proposals to base charging on metering.

A consultation on the proposals will be launched by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Alison Brown