Water - Profits and Poverty
A few years ago water charges were a small item on the rates bill, but now they're increasing at up to eight times the rate of inflation. In the south-west, where water bills of 9500 are not uncommon, the issue could prove crucial in government-held seats.
Elsewhere in Britain, while water chiefs and shareholders continue to enjoy a profits bonanza, "water poverty" threatens millions of families.
As Julian O'Halloran reveals, water meters are forcing their users to pay over the odds. Producer Clive Edwards
Editor Glenwyn Benson