An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average discount of £325 on their water bills through an expansion of the WaterSure scheme. This initiative, which currently benefits 260,000 households, will now include households 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 a medical condition or having three or more children. The recent changes to eligibility criteria will remove the requirement for a doctor’s note for application and will also result in existing recipients potentially saving up to an additional £100.
Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing cost-of-living challenges, particularly in relation to water bills. These reforms aim to provide meaningful assistance to families in need and align with the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable water system for the future.
The Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), Mike Keil, expressed satisfaction with the government’s adoption of most of the recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme. These enhancements are expected to bring relief to a significant number of customers who rely on substantial water usage for essential needs.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the expansion of discounted water bills for more disabled families, highlighting the financial burden that high water bills can pose for disabled individuals. The changes aim to alleviate some of the financial strain faced by vulnerable customers and provide increased support where needed.