An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average reduction of £325 on their water bills through a significant revamp of the WaterSure assistance program. The initiative, which currently limits the bills of specific high-water usage households, will now extend eligibility to include individuals receiving certain disability benefits.
Households eligible for the WaterSure program must claim Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with an annual household income below £25,745. Approximately 260,000 households are already benefiting 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 be classified as high water users due to specific medical conditions or having three or more children at home. Notably, applicants will no longer be required to pay for a doctor’s note.
The reforms in eligibility criteria will result in adjustments to the price cap, potentially leading to additional savings of up to £100 for existing recipients. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the significance of these changes in supporting vulnerable households facing financial pressures, especially regarding water bills.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), commended the government’s decision to implement most of the recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme. These improvements aim to provide peace of mind to a larger number of customers who rely heavily on water for essential needs.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, welcomed the news of more disabled families qualifying for discounted water bills, highlighting the financial challenges faced by disabled individuals in managing higher water usage for essential purposes.
The updates to the WaterSure scheme reflect a commitment to assisting vulnerable households and ensuring a sustainable water system for the future, aligning with broader efforts to support customers and protect the environment.