Customers can receive up to £287 for water bills

Many households are struggling to pay water bills as prices are set to rise. To help, some customers can receive financial support of up to £287 through social tariffs. These tariffs are designed to assist low-income families and can reduce bills by as much as 90%. However, the amount of help varies widely depending on the water company and the region. Recent data shows a big difference in the assistance offered. For example, customers with Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) received the highest discount at £287. In contrast, those with Portsmouth Water only saw a modest reduction of £25. The differences in support arise because each water company sets its own eligibility criteria. The upcoming increases in water bills are significant. Ofwat, the water regulator, announced that bills will rise by an average of £31 per year in England and Wales over the next five years. This is higher than the previously expected increase of £20. Southern Water customers will see the largest rise, with bills jumping by 47%, bringing the average yearly cost to £703. Many companies are facing criticism for environmental issues, particularly concerning sewage discharges. Despite this, they report high profits and have been ordered to return money to customers for not meeting pollution targets. The penalties for failing these targets will result in lower bills for affected customers starting from April 2025. Households that qualify for social tariffs are not always claiming the support available. While over 2 million households could benefit, only 1.3 million are currently receiving help. Additionally, water companies offer grants that do not need to be repaid. These can provide crucial assistance for those facing rising costs. There are also programs like WaterSure that help families with high water needs cap their bills at average levels, which can lead to significant savings. Overall, it’s important for customers to check their eligibility for discounts and assistance before the bill increases take effect.