Householders in parts of Kent are to face hikes in water rates of up to 4.9 per cent above inflation from April.

South East Water customers in the former Mid Kent Water area will face a hike of 7.9 per cent, which is 4.9 per cent above the rate of inflation.

It means the average water bill in that area will rise by around £13 to £171.

Customers in the rest of the South East Water area will see increases of three per cent including inflation.

The average water bill there will rise by around £5 to £169.

Customers of Southern Water will see rises of 5. 6 per cent., taking the average water bill up by £4 to £127.

The rises come into effect on April 1 2009 and apply until March 31 2010.

It follows an agreement in 2004 in which Ofwat set limits on prices water companies could charge between 2005 and 2010.