People struggling to pay their utilities bills can make the most of support available from their water companies, one group has said.

The Consumer Council for Water emphasised that there are some flexible options available, such as staggering payments so they become more affordable.

In some cases, the Department for Work and Pensions may also be able to help with budgeting by deducting set amounts from benefits and paying it directly to the water supplier.

"We know that levels of water debt are increasing, currently around £1.4 billion industry wide, and more and more people are struggling to pay all household bills, not just water," commented Dame Yve Buckland, chair of the Consumer Council for Water.

She added that if people are finding paying off their bills difficult, then they should not delay in getting in touch with their water company before their financial troubles worsen.