An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average reduction of £325 on their water bills under a significant revamp of a support program. The WaterSure initiative, which limits bills for selected high water usage households, will now include individuals receiving specific disability benefits.
Households eligible for the WaterSure program must be recipients of Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP), with an annual household income below £25,745. Currently, approximately 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 demonstrate high water usage due to either a medical condition or having three or more children living at home. Notably, individuals will no longer be required to pay for a doctor’s note during the application process.
The reforms in eligibility will also impact the price cap calculation method, potentially leading to additional savings of up to £100 for most existing beneficiaries. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing cost-of-living challenges, particularly regarding water bills.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), praised the government for implementing most of the recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme, enhancing support for customers with essential water needs. These improvements aim to alleviate financial pressures for households grappling with increasing water bills, extending assistance to more vulnerable customers.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the news that more disabled families will qualify for discounted water bills, highlighting the higher costs faced by disabled individuals in managing essential water usage. The changes aim to provide relief to disabled households facing substantial water expenses for daily needs and medical procedures at home.