Help with water bills as prices rise

2 mins read

Thursday 30 January 2025

Household water bill prices in England and Wales will rise on average £10 a month from April, according to new figures from Water UK.

The trade association representing water companies in the UK says that while price rises will vary across different regions, the average annual bill will be £603.

Alongside rises in energy and supermarket costs, we know that families will be worried about the impact on their finances. For some families with disabled children, there will be help available.

The WaterSure (Wales) scheme

In England and Wales, help with water bills may be available under the WaterSure and WaterSure Wales schemes

These work in exactly the same way, by capping your water bill so you won’t pay more than the average metered bill for the area your water company covers.

To qualify you must:

  • Be on certain benefits (check with your supplier which benefits they cover).
  • Have a water meter (or be waiting for one to be installed).
  • Have a high essential use of water. (This means you have three or more children under 19 in full-time education, or a child with a medical condition or disability that requires your household to use a lot of water).

Children who have certain conditions may automatically qualify under these schemes. Some water suppliers also offer WaterSure if you or someone in your household receives Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.

Contact your water supplier directly to find out their eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Other help with water suppliers

Some suppliers offer social tariffs for customers on lower incomes or receiving certain benefits. Social tariffs are usually capped at a lower amount than normal bills.

Again, contact your water supplier to find out what help they can provide.

The Consumer Council for Water has information on providers of social tariffs, as well as details of ways to manage water bills.

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