NORTHUMBRIAN Water customers are facing an increase in their payments.

This public utility has no competition – its remit is a licence to print money.

For this we should thank the Labour Party for bestowing more suffering on the North-East.

We must nationalise Northumbrian Water because it has no competition.

How can you give a company carte blanche to do as it pleases?

Water rates have soared way above inflation.

Years ago, water was a minimal monthly cost but now it is like paying another mortgage.

People in the North-East are paying a heavy price for grossly overpaid staff, directors and plush offices in Pity Me.

Robert Richardson, Bishop Auckland.