An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average reduction of £325 on their water bills through an expansion of the WaterSure scheme. The scheme, which currently benefits 260,000 households with an average saving of £325 each, is being broadened to include individuals receiving specific disability benefits.
Households eligible for the WaterSure scheme must have a household income below £25,745 per year and be recipients of Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP). To qualify, households must have a water meter and qualify as high water users due to a medical condition or having three or more children.
The reform will eliminate the requirement for a doctor’s note when applying and introduce changes to the price cap calculation, potentially leading to additional savings of up to £100 for existing beneficiaries. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing financial challenges, including high water bills.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), praised the government’s adoption of recommendations to enhance the WaterSure scheme, providing relief to more customers facing significant water usage needs. James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the extension of discounted water bills to more disabled families, acknowledging the financial strain water costs can impose on households with disabilities.
The reforms aim to alleviate the financial burden for vulnerable customers and improve the effectiveness of the assistance provided, reflecting efforts to ensure a sustainable and customer-focused water system for the future.