Water bills in England and Wales have risen by an average of £123 this year, but there are many ways to get help. Here is a list of 21 schemes available to help you save money
Water bills for households in England and Wales have climbed this year by an average of £123 – but there are numerous avenues for support available.
The hike has pushed the typical annual bill up to £603, marking an increase of roughly £10 per month.
The financial burden varies significantly by region, with certain households facing more severe increases.
Southern Water customers, for example, are confronting the most dramatic surge at 47%, pushing their average annual bill to £703.
However, help is available, including discounted rates, though many qualifying people are failing to claim what they’re entitled to, reports the Mirror.
Research conducted by Policy in Practice reveals that £974million in water bill social tariffs went unclaimed in 2024, as reported by the Express.
Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, stated: “Many water companies offer discounts if you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support.”
Here’s what’s available from a selection of 21 suppliers.
Affinity Water – Lift
Households earning below £19,995 (excluding benefits) or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit could qualify.
The programme caps annual clean water bills at £143.80, offering a reduced fixed rate of £95.80 for those claiming council tax reduction/support.
Anglian Water – Lite
Qualification hinges on a personal financial evaluation. Customers who meet the criteria can bag up to 50% off their annual bill through a discounted metered tariff.
Bournemouth Water – WaterCare
This scheme is tailored for customers who shell out 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Applicants must either have a water meter or be on assessed charges.
Discounts are given in bands, ranging from a modest 15% to a whopping 85%.
Bristol Water – Assist
Struggling low-income households can tap into a low-rate tariff based on their ability to pay, with discounts applied to the average yearly bill. If the bill payer and all adults in the household are Pension credit recipients, they could be eligible for a discount of around 20%.
Cambridge Water – Assure
Customers pocketing Pension Credit (guarantee element) or those with a household income below £22,011 may qualify. Eligible households enjoy a 60% bill reduction in the first year and 40% in the second year.
If claimants find themselves without an income while awaiting a Universal Credit application, charges are completely waived for eight weeks.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – HelpU
Customers receiving income-related benefits with household incomes below £12,000 (for one person), £18,100 (for two people), or £19,100 (for three or more people) can qualify. Bills are capped at a manageable £319.03 per year (£128.17 for water, £190.86 for sewerage).
Essex and Suffolk Water – SupportPLUS
Households earning less than £26,000 or those with a member receiving Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of their net income) could be eligible for up to a 40% discount on their annual bill.
Hafren Dyfrdwy’s Here2Help
This offers a reduction in yearly water charges based on household size and income, tailoring the bill to a customer’s specific circumstances.
Hartlepool Water’s Lite
The scheme provides various discount schemes for customers with a water meter. Eligible households could receive up to 50% off their water and sewerage charges.
Northumbrian Water’s SupportPLUS
The scheme offers discounts of up to 40% for households earning less than £26,000 or those receiving Pension Credit, whose water bill is 3% or more of their net income.
Portsmouth Water’s Helping Hand Tariff
This caps the water bill at £91.12 per year for households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit).
Severn Trent Water’s Big Difference
The scheme assists low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.
South East Water
South East Water offers a 50% reduction for customers with a household income below £17,000 (excluding disability benefits). Those with an annual household income of between £17,000 and £21,000 will receive a 30% reduction on their bill.
Southern Water’s Essentials Tariff
Households with an income less than £22,020 (excluding certain benefits) and savings under £16,000 could be eligible for a discount ranging from 45% to 90%. Those qualifying solely through Pension Credit receive a 45% discount.
South Staffordshire Water’s Assure scheme
For households earning less than £22,011 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving the guarantee element of Pension Credit may qualify. Bills are slashed by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second.
A 20% reduction is applied in the third year. If a claimant has no income while awaiting Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.
South West Water’s WaterCare programme
Customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills may qualify. Discounts vary from 15% to 85%.
SES Water’s Water Support
Eligibility is income-based: households earning below £19,995 outside London or £25,207 in London (excluding disability benefits). Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.
Thames Water’s WaterHelp initiative
Households that spend more than 5% of their net income on water bills may be entitled to a 50% discount.
United Utilities’ Back on Track
Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,500 a year due to a recent life event may qualify. Water bills are capped at a lower amount for the year, depending on individual circumstances.
Wessex Water’s Assist scheme
This initiative provides discounts of up to 90% for those finding it tough to meet payments. Pensioners who are recipients of Pension Credit or solely dependent on the state pension receive an annual reduction of £55.
Yorkshire Water – WaterSupport
Based on personal circumstances, customers with low incomes could see their yearly bill reduced by as much as £270.
Customers struggling to pay their bills should consult their water company, as the support on offer can differ from one provider to another.
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