Millions of households could be forced to have water meters if MPs get their way – but will they save you cash?
MPs say compulsory water meters would help to reduce water use and detect when leaks are occurring
MILLIONS of households in England and Wales could be forced to have water meters installed if MPs get their way.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has said in its latest report that water companies should be allowed to introduce compulsory meters by the end of 2019.
This would help to reduce water use and detect when leaks are occurring, according to the cross-party group of MPs.
Currently, only water companies in regions where there is a water shortage can make metering compulsory.
All homes built after 1990 also have water meters, which means their bills reflect the amount of water used.
With homes built before 1990, water bills are based on the value of the home - which means households could be over or underpaying.
Top tips: What you can do now to save money on your water bills
HERE are a few ways that you can cut your bills and keep costs down.
- If you’re struggling to pay your bill, discuss it with your water company.
- Check what water and sewerage services you receive and claim a rebate for any you're not getting.
- Check that you are paying the correct tariff. If you aren't already on a meter, check if you can reduce your bill by installing one. As a rough rule of thumb, experts often say that if there are more bedrooms than people in your home, you should consider getting a meter. You should be able to get one installed for free.
- Read your meter regularly if you have one.
Neil Parish MP said: “We call on the Government to allow all water companies the power to implement compulsory metering.
"That way, companies have the same tools at their disposal to reduce consumption of water in their regions.
"Where this might lead to significant bill increases, metering should be accompanied by strengthened support for vulnerable customers.”
But the water industry trade body warns that forcing people to get a meter might not be the right action to cut down water use.
Water UK chief executive Michael Roberts said: “The Committee rightly highlights that we all need to use water wisely.
"Continued roll out of metering is an important tool for managing demand, but how and when it is done needs to be handled carefully as part of a wider approach reflecting the needs of different customers.”
Water bills are calculated differently elsewhere in the UK. In Scotland, bills depend on the council tax band for your home, while in Northern Ireland there are no household water charges.
More on bills
Just last month several water companies in England and Wales announced plans to cut customer bills and reduce leaks between 2020 and 2025.
But fatcat water company bosses have pocketed £58million in five years as customers’ bills rise.
Read our top five tips on how to save on bills and not waste your water or wonga.
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