People could stand to make a major saving over the year
People could unknowingly be paying more than they need to for a basic utility bill, Martin Lewis’ team at Money Saving Expert (MSE) says. Those who carry out a quick, free check with their water provider could unlock cheaper bills, saving an average of £175 a year.
Posting on the MSE Instagram feed, a spokesperson said: “Quickly check if you qualify for a water tariff. All water companies offer social tariffs, and they can slash as much as 90% off your bill by lowering or even capping what you pay, whether you have a water meter or not.
“It’s been estimated that more than three million households are missing out on an average of £175 a year in water savings. What’s available differs from firm to firm, and some also require you to be on certain benefits, such as Pension Credit.”
The finance specialists said that if you think you may be eligible, it’s worth taking a few minutes to contact your water company. Finding out exactly what they offer and how to apply could lead to significant savings.
The MSE team shared one example from a woman called Jennifer, who wrote in to share her windfall. She claimed her water bill was “going to be over £800 a year for a single person in a three-bed house”, but managed to secure a 50% reduction after learning she was eligible for a social tariff.
What are social tariffs?
The Consumer Council for Water explained that around two million households in England and Wales are already receiving reduced bills through water company support schemes. One of these systems includes being put onto a social tariff.
A spokesperson said: “Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income. Who is eligible for help, and the level of support varies depending on your water company.”
People can look up the information, specific to their provider, online. The Consumer Council has pulled together a list here, broken down by the companies responsible for water bills across the UK.
The term ‘low income’ varies between areas. For example, Cambridge Assure requires households to earn no more than £22,011 a year to qualify, but providers like South East Water and Portsmouth Water offer help to people earning less than £21,000.
Bristol Water sets no specific number, claiming that households must be “assessed as being in financial difficulty” to be eligible for discounts. Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru) has specific bands based on the number of people living in the property, ranging from £12,000 to £19,100.
Most list several DWP benefits as making someone eligible for reduced bills. These include payments such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, PIP, and Disability Living Allowance.
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