If you're facing challenges with covering your water bills, know that your water provider offers assistance programs designed to help. These include options like social tariffs and subsidies aimed at easing financial burdens for customers in need.
Concerns Rise Over UK Water Bill Increases
With the Consumer Council for Water predicting that water costs in the UK might climb by up to 70% by 2030, more people than ever may want additional assistance.
Last month, The Sun claimed that Thames Water executives said bills would need to rise by 40% to pay for much-needed infrastructure renovations.
With inflation, that's a 56% increase, potentially raising household bills by £262 per year on average.
Southern Water, which serves much of the south of England, is seeking an even larger 70% increase, up £749 per year after inflation.
Over two million individuals are receiving assistance from companies to pay their water bills.
However, according to Ofwat research, just 30% of users are aware of the resources accessible to them.
How Can I Get Assistance with Water Bill Payments?
If you have limited resources and have difficulty paying for your water bills, contact the provider and inquire about social rates.
Every water provider has one, and they can lower your bill by hundreds of pounds.
However, the qualifying requirements and quantity of assistance vary depending on who supplies your water.
You may be entitled for a percentage discount; for example, eligible Southern Water, Wessex Water, and Hafren Dyfrdwy customers will receive up to 90% off, depending on their personal circumstances.
Other providers offer far cheaper fixed rates than typical. For example, eligible Affinity Water customers will have their yearly water price capped at £119.50.
Customers receiving a council tax reduction may only have to pay £79.70.
Below are some of the suppliers who have aid available:
- Affinity Water - lift
- Anglian Water – Lite
- Bournemouth Water – WaterCare
- Bristol Water – Assist
- Cambridge – Assure
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – HelpU
- Essex and Suffolk Water – SupportPLUS
- Hafren Dyfrdwy – Here2Help
- Hartlepool – Lite
- Northumbrian Water – SupportPLUS
- Portsmouth Water – Helping Hand Tariff
- Severn Trent Water – Big Difference
- South East Water
- Southern Water – Essentials Tariff
- South Staffordshire Water – Assure
- South West Water – WaterCare
- SES Water – Water Support
- Thames Water – WaterHelp
- United Utilities – Help to Pay and Back on Track
- Wessex Water – AssistYorkshire Water – WaterSupport
The Big Difference Scheme, offered by Severn Trent in the West Midlands, is intended for low-income home customers who have trouble to pay their water or sewerage bills. When you apply, we will conduct an income assessment for your household. This includes everyone in the household.
If the submission is approved, you will be given a recommended payment amount. There are numerous charge bands, or tariffs.