Homeowners who struggle to foot their water bills are to receive help from the government.

Environment secretary Caroline Spelman outlined plans that are aimed to assist low-income households in areas where utilities bills are considerably higher than in other parts of the UK.

She said there will be "special help for people in the south-west who, through no fault of their own, are battling astronomical water bills during a difficult economic climate".

Ms Spelman highlighted that a number of reforms are in the pipeline, including a cap for customers who receive their water through a meter, which would mean they do not pay any more than the average amount in their region.

Water regulator Ofwat revealed earlier this year that bills are set to rise in line with inflation, with the average household paying around £356 per annum.

It acknowledged that people are unable to shop around for the best water deal, unlike other utilities.