The cost of electricity, gas and water will increase by 34 per cent in the next five years according to conservative estimates by the WA Council of Social Services.

The average utility bill for this financial year comes to $2253.31.

In the next five years this is predicted to increase 46 per cent to $3305.47.

This takes into account planned increases to water, gas and electricity bills.

Rates are also set to increase across Greater Bunbury with Dardanup, Capel and Bunbury all announcing increases to their rates, while Harvey was discussing the likelihood of a rate rise earlier this week.

Capel residents were set to have their rates increased by up to eight per cent, Dardanup ratepayers can expect a 7.5 per cent increase and Bunbury Mayor David Smith said council would look to increase Bunbury rates by 3.9 per cent.

Mayor Smith said there was intense debate by councillors when deciding on the increase.

“It was difficult striking a balance,” he said.

Mayor Smith said substantial increases in the cost of electricity, water and gas would have a significant impact on the family budget.

“For families who are experiencing unemployment or less than full time employment it must be presenting a struggle,” he said.

“We have tried to balance our rates with the fact that people are finding it tough but still provide matching funds for State and Federal grants.”

Adding further pain to households is Bunbury’s tight rental market.

The median rental price in Bunbury has increased in the last 12 months to more than $300, up from $260.

This adds a further $2000 to the average annual rental bill.