above

In a preliminary decision, Ofwat said it would allow bill rises of 21% above inflation, which the shareholders did not accept.

Changes announced in the Budget mean that, from next April, employers would have to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000, instead of the current 13.8% on salaries above £9,100.

However, the rate, which is closely monitored to determine interest rates, is now back above the Bank of England's 2% target.

The company would also have faced other costs, such as storage and staffing, above the price of the blades.

“It is not a matter of any man being above the law or any disrespect to the jury process.”