Are YOU missing out on water bill social tariffs that save £151 a year?

Low-income households are being urged to check if they can apply for special water bill deals that save £151 a year on average.

Experts say one in 15 homes is eligible for such a saving, but most are unaware that  the deals are available. 

The average annual water bill is £417 a year, rising to £448 next April.

But more than 1.3 million households in England and Wales got bill reductions through their water company’s social tariff in 2022-23 – a rise of 19 per cent.

Down the drain: Many households are unaware they could slash water bills with social tariffs

Social tariffs are cheaper water bills for low-income households or those on benefits. All water companies have to supply them.

But almost two million homes – or 15 per cent – are eligible for water social tariffs but not signed up to one, according to the Consumer Council for Water regulator.

The CCW says that these customers may still not be signed up due to low awareness of social tariffs, as well as other barriers.

During 2022-23, social tariffs reduced the water bills of eligible low-income customers by an average of £151. 

The CCW is calling for more households to seek uphold from their water company to help tackle rising water bills for millions from April 2024.

CCW senior leader for social policy Andy White said: ‘Rises in energy costs this winter and water bills from April will heap considerable pressure on millions of struggling households so it’s vital low-income customers act now to get all the help they’re entitled to.’

How to check if you are eligible for a social tariff

Every water company in England and Wales has its own social tariff scheme designed to help customers on a low income. 

But who is eligible and the level of uphold offered varies hugely from company to company. In some instances, bills can be reduced by as much as 90 per cent.

CCW has a list of social tariffs and criteria on its website.

For example, Thames Water’s social tariff is called Water Help.

It cuts water bills by 50 per cent for homes whose household income is less than £17,005, or £21,749 in London, excluding disability benefits. 

Meanwhile, Yorkshire Water’s scheme, WaterSupport, is for low-income households with a yearly water bill of more than £350.

WaterSupport caps bills at no more than £350. 

In addition, more than 220,000 people also saw their bills capped through the WaterSure scheme – producing an average saving of £307 a year.

WaterSure caps water bills at no more than the average for the area. 

To apply, households must be on qualifying benefits and use a lot of water for legitimate reasons, such as having many children or for medical needs.

They will also need a water meter, or be waiting for one to be fitted.