Follow these simple tips and cut hundreds of pounds off your water bill
From social tarrifs to water meters we look at all the ways you can save money
HOUSEHOLDS struggling with rising water bills are being urged to claim available help – as thousands are missing out.
Water charges have increased from an average of £292 in 2006/07 to £389 this year.
While bills can vary considerably depending on circumstances, meaning some families will pay significantly more or less than this, it is important to take advantage of the assistance you are entitled to.
New findings from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) show tens of thousands of struggling households in England and Wales are losing out on support that could cut their bills.
The consumer watchdog says 19 out of 21 water companies have social tariffs that can reduce the amount people on low incomes have to pay for water and sewerage.
The tariffs could help more than 400,000 households but CCW says fewer than a third of customers have signed up.
In some cases, reductions can be as much as 90 per cent, depending on each water company’s tariff and the financial circumstances of a customer.
So how exactly do you go about getting help?
Andy White, from CCW, says: “If you are struggling to pay, make sure you get in touch with your water company at the earliest opportunity.
“Water companies have a wide range of schemes that can help people in financial difficulty.
CCW has teamed up with poverty relief charity Turn2us to launch a benefits calculator and grants search tool on its website. It helps consumers work out if they could be entitled to any additional financial support.
You can make use of the savings calculator at . It takes less than five minutes to complete and you get a report showing how much water, energy and money is going down the drain in your home. There are also personalised tips, advice and devices to help you save.
Recent figures from the CCW found nearly half of water companies across England and Wales saw an increase in written customer complaints in 2015/16, with four recording “alarming” surges.
If you have a complaint about your water bill, begin by getting in touch with your provider.
If you are not satisfied with the way your complaint is handled, you can then refer it to the CCW.