WATER DIVIDE
Map reveals postcode lottery of water bill help for struggling customers as some areas get £262 MORE
Scroll down to see if you can get help with your water bill
CUSTOMERS struggling to pay water bills face a postcode lottery when it comes to the help they can get.
Social tariffs are available to hard-up households and cut costs by as much as 90%.
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But this help varies greatly depending on where you live, new figures reveal.
The difference between the highest and lowest amount handed out is £262.
That's because each water company has its own criteria for these tariffs, and there is no standard eligibility.
Residential households can’t choose their water supplier, so it’s potluck regarding the generosity of your supplier.
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The latest figures from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) reveal 1.6million low-income households are signed up to social tariffs.
It said these households saved on average £151 on their water bills last year.
Water companies spent almost £259million discounting bills to help low-income households.
But they each have different criteria and offer different levels of discount.
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For example, the CCW found that those on Welsh Water social tariffs got an average bill reduction of £287, the highest of any area.
Meanwhile, Portsmouth customers got an average reduction of just £25 in 2023/24.
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The CCW is now calling on firms to have a single scheme so that everyone gets the same level of help wherever they live.
Andrew White, senior leader in social policy told The Sun: "It is really positive that around a quarter of a million more households are getting help through schemes to reduce their water bill.
"However the figures also highlight that both eligibility for help and the amount of support provided varies considerably depending on where in England and Wales you live."
He added that Ofwat, the industry regulator, is expected to make its final decision on water price limits in December.
It comes as The Sun exclusively revealed that the biggest water suppliers in England and Wales say they want to hike prices to cover the cost of repairing leaky pipes and cutting sewage spills.
In July, the regulator Ofwat said bills could go up by an average of £94 in the period up to 2030 — a 21% hike, typically working out at an extra £19 a year.
Mr White said: "Significant increases are expected to take effect from next April.
"It is therefore vital that government take steps to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable households through the introduction of a new single social tariff scheme funded sufficiently to end water poverty."
How does water bill help vary?
The CCW figures show that in the year 2023/24 the amount customers got taken off their bills depended greatly on their supplier.
It found that Welsh Water customers received on average £287 off their bill, and Yorkshire Water tends to give a £228 discount.
While United Utilities, which provided water to the North West, gives around £225 off bills to those signed up to a social tariff.
At the other end of the scale, Portsmouth Water customers get around £25 off their water bill.
Cambridge and South Staffs households received discounts of around £58 and £71 respectively.
Here's the full list of average discounts offered last year:
- Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) - £287
- Yorkshire - £228
- United Utilities - £225
- Anglian - £182
- Thames - £176
- Severn Trent £- 164
- Wessex - £144
- Northumbrian - £137
- South West - £115
- Southern - £110
- Bristol - £99
- Essex and Suffolk - £92
- SES Water - £86
- Affinity - £77
- South East - £77
- Hafren Dyfrdwy (northeast and mid Wales) - £76
- South Staffs - £71
- Cambridge - £58
- Portsmouth - £25
What are social tariffs?
Social tariffs are available to those on a low income and are lower than the standard rate.
Who is eligible and the level of support you can get varies depending on your water company so it can be a bit of a postcode lottery.
For example, Affinity Water's social tariff is available to households with a combined income of less than £18,725, excluding benefits, or in receipt of a number of benefits including Universal Credit.
If you are eligible, your yearly water bills are capped at £119.50.
Those who get council tax support can also get their water bills fixed at £79.70.
Meanwhile, South East Water has a social tariff for households with a combined income of less than £18,725 or less per year, excluding income earned from a number of benefits including Disability Living Allowance, PIP or Attendance Allowance.
If you qualify for help, your annual water bill is capped at up to £182.82.
Yorkshire Water helps customers on low incomes cover water charges, with annual bills capped at £364 if you qualify.
You may qualify if your household income is below £19,000 and your annual water bill is more than £364.
Other help you can get
If you don't qualify for a social tariff, you may qualify for the WaterSure scheme if you live in England or Wales.
The scheme is open to anyone who is on a water meter, has certain benefits and has a high essential use of water.
The list of benefits that qualify you include: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
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You will be classed as having a high essential use of water if someone in your household has a medical condition that requires the use of lots of water, or you have three children or more under 19 and in full-time education living there.
You apply for the WaterSure scheme through your water firm's website or by calling its customer service team.
How to cut your bills
IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you'll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you're using. To check if it's financially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water's free water meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it's ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you're struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricity: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don't wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short-term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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