In the latest MSE newsletter, Martin Lewis’ team revealed that around 5.7million households could cut their water bills by up to £160 a year through support schemes from water suppliers
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) team has warned that millions of Brits could be missing out on help on water bill help.
From April 1, the average yearly water bill sat at £473 with the average rise equating to around £27. Some Brits even saw a hike of £71. The increase was one of many in April and was another blow to households already struggling to cover their household bills. In the latest MSE newsletter, Martin Lewis’ team revealed that around 5.7million households could cut their water bills by up to £160 a year through support schemes from water suppliers.
The support schemes are called social tariffs and every water company has one. Social tariffs reduce the water bill if you are claiming certain benefits or classed as being on a low income. Each water supplier has different criteria for their social tariff so eligible for help and the level of support varies depending on your water company.
The MSE explained: “Every water company (in England & Wales) has a social tariff scheme for those on low incomes which can lower bills or cap what you pay. Many firms have just updated their criteria for 2024 – to see if you qualify.”
Customers of Thames Water, England’s largest water company, may be able to get a 50% discount if their bill is more than 5% of their net income. Those who get their water from Severn Trent can get 70% off if their household income is £20,048 or less. Yorkshire Water offers a social tariff to households with an income below £19,000 and a water bill of more than £364 a year. Portsmouth Water’s social tariff will cap the water bill at £91.12 for households with incomes below £21,000.
According to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), around two million households that qualify for social tariffs are not claiming them. You can find out what your water supplier offers with their social tariff alongside the criteria on their website here and you can apply by contacting your water company directly. It will then assess your circumstances by asking about your income and situation.
