This week’s announcement from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will have come as unwelcome news to many households already struggling to make ends meet.

Five major water firms, Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water and Wessex Water, have been given the green light to increase their prices further, on top of already hefty rises approved by Ofwat.

For some, that means an average annual bill of over £600. In a climate where wages are barely keeping pace with inflation and essentials seem to creep up in cost every month, yet another increase to a non-negotiable household expense.

The reality is that water, energy and housing are essentials, and when those prices go up, it squeezes everyone, especially families already living close to the edge. The government talks of freezing duties and raising wages, but for many, these measures barely scratch the surface of rising living costs. While infrastructure investment is important, it doesn’t change the fact that millions are watching their monthly outgoings climb faster than their income.

That’s where companies like Rate Drop come in. Rate Drop was created to provide a fairer way to borrow, with a clear and transparent 39.9% APR, no hidden catches, no confusing small print. Life happens, and sometimes even the most careful budgeting can’t stretch far enough to cover an unexpected cost or a bill increase you didn’t plan for. Rate Drop gives people breathing space when they need it most, helping them manage temporary financial pressure without resorting to payday lenders or costly credit cards or overdrafts.

When your water bill suddenly jumps or your energy supplier increases its rates, it’s easy to feel powerless. But financial resilience isn’t just about cutting back, it’s about having safe, fair options when you need to bridge the gap. Rate Drop understands that good people can fall on hard times, and that access to fair credit shouldn’t be a luxury.

The CMA’s decision may have been made in the name of infrastructure and long-term investment, but its immediate impact is clear: higher bills for households already feeling the strain. If you’re one of those people trying to stay afloat in the face of rising costs, Rate Drop is here to help, offering support that’s transparent, responsible and designed to put fairness first.
Because in hard times, everyone deserves a fair way to borrow.