South West Water have welcomed a proposed 40 million pound a year boost, which they say will be used to reduce bills.

The government launched a consultation on the chancellor's proposals to bring down the south west's bills yesterday - it runs until June.

But the company claim customers may not see the benefits until at least 2013.

Sally Mills, their Customer relations officer claims the huge cost of cleaning the local coastline is partially to blame for the south west's high water bills.