An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average discount of £325 on their water bills with the expansion of the WaterSure scheme. The scheme, which currently benefits 260,000 households, will now include those receiving specific disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with an annual household income below £25,745.
To qualify for the WaterSure scheme, households must have a water meter and be classified as high water users due to either a specific medical condition or having three or more children. The recent reforms will eliminate the requirement for a doctor’s note during the application process and adjust the price cap calculation, resulting in additional savings of up to £100 for existing recipients.
Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing financial pressures, including water bills. The reforms aim to provide meaningful assistance to families in need and align with the Water White Paper’s goals of customer advocacy, environmental protection, and a sustainable water system for the future.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), commended the government’s adoption of most of CCW’s recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme, noting that the improvements will offer peace of mind to more customers with essential water needs. James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the extended support for disabled families, acknowledging the financial challenges they face due to higher water usage for essential purposes.
The updates to the WaterSure scheme aim to alleviate financial burdens for vulnerable customers while enhancing the value of assistance provided, reflecting a commitment to addressing rising water costs and supporting those in need.
