A local MP wants South West Water to bring down Cornish water bills, the highest in the country, following today's announcement of a further hike in rates.

Metered bills are set to increase by a whopping 16.5% and unmetered by 12.5%.

Matthew Taylor, MP for Truro and St Austell, has spoken to Chris Loughlin, managing director of SWW.

Mr Taylor said: "This news has confirmed the decision of the Government and the water regulator that water bills will rocket here in the South West, despite very low incomes.

"I have discussed with South West Water what they can do to help people on low incomes but the fact is that the problem arises as a result of Conservative water privatisation, leaving just 3% of the national population paying to clean up a third of Britain's beaches, and it will take either the water regulator or the Government to deliver a fairer system.

"I want South West Water to accept they have a part to play in helping find a solution to these unfair bills and to provide more help to those on low income of which there are so many in Cornwall.

"What is needed is a fairer system to redistribute the costs. The Labour Government have use UK tax payer money to cut water bills in Northern Ireland but is allowing South West Water massive further rises despite their bills being the highest in the country."