POLLUTING water companies were slammed today after announcing a £156 a year rise in bills as part of a £96 billion five-year investment plan.

Water UK said that 30,000 new jobs and 4,000 apprenticeships will be created to help deliver the plan, representing a 50 per cent increase in the workforce.

But the sector has come under heavy criticism in recent months for its performance, with water quality and sewage overflows becoming a hot political issue.