Britons can claim up to 90% discount on water | European Markets

Britons are being urged to examine in the event that they qualify for a low cost on their water invoice earlier than deliberate fee will increase come into impact in April.

Water arrears are rising, with 38% of people searching for debt assist final month behind on funds – a 6% increase from 32% the earlier yr – based on Cash Wellness, a free debt counselling service.

Trade regulator Ofwat confirmed final week that the average family water invoice will rise 25% (£123 a yr) on April 1. It will see the everyday annual water and wastewater invoice leap from £480 to £603, including round £10 additional per thirty days to fees.

The impression will range throughout areas, with some households dealing with steeper will increase. Southern Water prospects, for instance, will expertise the best hike at 47%, pushing their average annual invoice to £703.

Cash Wellness’ figures highlighted the growing financial burden, with one in 5 households reporting difficulties in paying their water payments over the previous yr and eight.2% of households in arrears to their suppliers.

Nonetheless, assist, corresponding to discounted tariffs, is accessible, however many eligible people aren’t claiming it. Based on Coverage in Follow’s latest analysis, £974million price of water invoice social tariffs had been going unclaimed in 2024.

Sebrina McCullough, director of exterior relations at Cash Wellness, mentioned: “Many water companies offer discounts if you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support.”

Right here is a breakdown of what’s accessible from every supplier.

Affinity Water – Elevate

Prospects with a family income beneath £18,725 (excluding advantages) or these receiving income-related advantages corresponding to Common Credit score, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit score can qualify. The scheme caps annual clean water payments at £119.50, with a decrease fixed fee of £79.70 for these receiving council tax discount/assist.

Anglian Water – Lite

Eligibility relies on an particular person financial evaluation. Prospects who qualify can obtain up to 50% off their annual invoice by a lowered metered tariff.

Bournemouth Water – WaterCare

This scheme is for patrons who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing prices) on water payments. Candidates will need to have a water meter or be on assessed fees. Reductions are utilized in bands starting from 15% to 85%.

Bristol Water – Help

Low-income households dealing with financial issue can entry a low-rate tariff based mostly on their capability to pay, with reductions utilized to the average annual invoice.

Cambridge Water – Guarantee

Prospects receiving Pension Credit score (guarantee factor) or with a family income beneath £20,500 (plus £1,500 per baby) might qualify. Eligible households obtain a 60% invoice discount within the first yr and 40% within the second yr. If claimants have no income whereas ready for a Common Credit score utility, fees are totally waived for eight weeks.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – HelpU

Prospects receiving income-related advantages with family incomes beneath £11,600 (one individual), £17,400 (two people), or £18,800 (three or more people) can qualify. Payments are capped at £290.03 per yr.

Essex and Suffolk Water – SupportPLUS

Households incomes much less than £23,933 or these the place a member receives Pension Credit score (and whose water invoice is 3% or more of web income) can obtain up to a 50% low cost on their annual invoice.

Hafren Dyfrdwy – Here2Help

This scheme reduces annual water fees by up to 70%, relying on family measurement and income.

Hartlepool Water – Lite

Prospects with a water meter can entry numerous low cost schemes. Eligible households can obtain up to 50% off water and sewerage fees.

Northumbrian Water – SupportPLUS

Households incomes much less than £23,933 or with a member receiving Pension Credit score (and whose water invoice is 3% or more of web income) might qualify. Reductions of up to 50% can be found.

Portsmouth Water – Serving to Hand Tariff

Households incomes much less than £21,000 (excluding advantages like Little one Tax Credit score, Pension Credit score, or Housing Profit) can have their water invoice capped at £91.12 per yr, based on the Shopper Council for Water (CCW).

Severn Trent Water – Large Distinction

This scheme helps low-income households struggling to pay their payments. Reductions range based mostly on financial evaluation, with a number of tariff bands accessible.

South East Water

Prospects with a family income beneath £18,725 (excluding incapacity advantages) can have their annual invoice capped at £182.82 (East) or £146.94 (West), based on CCW.

From April 1, 2025, a new tiered low cost based mostly on family income can be utilized. A 30% low cost will apply for these whose family income is between £17,000 and £21,000. A 50% discount can be utilized for households with an annual income of much less than £17,000.

Southern Water – Necessities Tariff

Households incomes much less than £21,000 (excluding sure advantages) and with financial savings beneath £16,000 might obtain a low cost of between 45% and 90%. Households qualifying solely by Pension Credit score obtain a 45% low cost.

South Staffordshire Water – Guarantee

Households incomes much less than £20,050 (plus £1,500 per baby) or these receiving Pension Credit score (guarantee factor) might qualify. Payments are lowered by 60% within the first yr and 40% within the second. If a claimant has no income whereas ready for Common Credit score, payments are waived for eight weeks.

South West Water – WaterCare

Prospects spending 5% or more of their income (after housing prices) on water payments might qualify. Reductions vary from 15% to 85%.

SES Water – Water Help

Eligibility relies on income: households incomes beneath £18,725 exterior London or £23,933 in London (excluding incapacity advantages). Those that qualify obtain a 50% low cost on their annual invoice.

Thames Water – WaterHelp

Households spending more than 5% of their web income on water payments might obtain a 50% low cost.

United Utilities – Again on Observe

Prospects receiving income-related advantages or incomes much less than £21,000 a yr resulting from a latest life occasion might qualify. Water payments are capped at a decrease quantity for the yr, relying on particular person circumstances.

Wessex Water – Help

This scheme gives reductions of up to 90% for these struggling to pay. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit score or relying solely on state pension get a £55 annual discount.

Yorkshire Water – WaterSupport

Prospects on low incomes can have their annual invoice capped at £364 for 2024-25.

With assist various by supplier, prospects struggling to pay ought to examine with their water company to see what help is accessible.