WATER rates are set to soar by an inflation-busting 5.6 per cent for households in Gravesend.

The average bill for Southern Water customers is to increase £4 to £127.

But many households in parts of Kent are facing a bigger hike in water rates than anywhere else in the country.

South East Water customers in the former Mid Kent Water area will see their bills increase by 7.9 per cent – an average of £13 a year to £171.

The hefty rise, which is 4.9 per cent above the rate of inflation, is the largest across England and Wales and comes into effect on April 1.

Customers in the rest of the South East Water area will see a hike of just the level of inflation, which is currently running at three per cent, taking the average bill up £5 to £169.

However, the picture is brighter for Folkestone and Dover Water customers, who can expect their bills to fall by 0.3 per cent, meaning an average decrease of £1 to £182.

Thames Water is yet to finalise its 2009 prices.

South East Water said the increase would help fund its £350m investment scheme.

Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn said:

"No one wants to see bills increasing, particularly in tough economic times. Yet over the last 20 years we have made sure that this essential investment has delivered very real benefits for us all."

Water bill prices will remain constant until the end of March next year, with rates for the 2010 to 2015 period due to be set in November.