An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average reduction of £325 on their water bills under a significant overhaul of the WaterSure scheme. The scheme, which currently limits bills for certain high water usage households, will now include those receiving specific disability benefits.
Households eligible for the WaterSure scheme include individuals claiming Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a yearly household income below £25,745. Currently, around 260,000 households benefit from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each, as reported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
To qualify, households must possess a water meter and be classified as high water users due to either a specific medical condition or having three or more children in the household. The need for a doctor’s note for application has been eliminated.
The reforms in eligibility will also impact the determination of the price cap, potentially leading to additional savings of up to £100 for most existing recipients. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing financial pressures, especially concerning water bills.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), commended the government’s adoption of most of the recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme. He highlighted the peace of mind these improvements would bring to thousands of customers reliant on significant water usage for essential needs.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the news that more disabled families would qualify for discounted water bills, noting the financial strain high water bills can place on disabled households.
Overall, these changes aim to extend support to more vulnerable customers and enhance the financial assistance provided, ultimately easing the burden of rising water bills for those in need.