I AM writing to express my anger over the unnecessary increase in my water rates.

Last year I was billed for £474.31 and then in April of this year the bill increased to £489.43.

I could not understand why this increase was applied when my means of paying – my own wage – had not increased by the same percentage. I therefore made the decision to pay United Utilities the same amount as I paid last year.

Subsequently I received a bill for the outstanding amount of £15.12.

I only live in a two-bedroom house and have a friend who lives about 1.5 miles away in a very similar house and his water rates are almost half of what I pay.

What angers me most of all is where is this extra money directed? United Utilities says the increase is for reinvestment for maintenance etc – with millions of householders in the north west paying this increase I cannot see that this all goes to reinvestment.

I feel that this increase is merely a means to keep the shareholders happy – emptying my pockets to line theirs.

I did not want to pay this increase, especially as I do not have the money, but have reluctantly done so.

United Utilities – give us all a break. A very angry customer.

MICHAEL BOLTON Orford