Water companies must pay more than minimum compensation to customers, a government minister has said.

Thérèse Coffey, a minister in the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs, has called on companies to go above and beyond to compensate thousands of customers who have gone without water since wintry weather blasted the UK, damaging mains water pipes.

Speaking in Parliament, Dr Coffey said she "absolutely" expected companies to "go far beyond" the £20 compensation customers are entitled to after they have been left without running water for 48 hours, and £10 for every 24 hours thereafter.

Dr Coffey was speaking as some desperate customers from across the UK - some caring for newborn babies,sick children, or frail and elderly relatives - reached their fourth day without running water.

Furious MPs and local councillors have called for a public inquiry after thousands of constituents around the UK including in London, Yorkshire, and Hastings were left scrambling for bottled water, with schools and shops closed.