An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average discount of £325 on their water bills through a significant revamp of the WaterSure scheme. This scheme puts a cap on bills for households with high water usage, and it will now include those receiving specific disability benefits.
Households eligible for the WaterSure scheme are those who claim Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with an annual household income below £25,745. Currently, around 260,000 households benefit from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
To qualify, households must have a water meter and high water usage due to a medical condition or having three or more children at home. Going forward, applicants will no longer need to pay for a doctor’s note.
The reforms in eligibility will result in changes to the price cap determination, 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, particularly regarding water bills.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), expressed satisfaction with the government’s adoption of most of CCW’s proposed changes to the WaterSure scheme. The improvements are expected to ease financial burdens for thousands more customers who require significant water usage for essential needs.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the extension of discounted water bills to more disabled families, highlighting the higher expenses faced by disabled individuals in managing water consumption for essential purposes.
By making these adjustments, the government aims to provide relief to households grappling with escalating water costs while extending support to the most vulnerable customers, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Water White Paper for a sustainable water system.