An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average reduction of £325 on their water bills through a significant overhaul of a support program. The WaterSure initiative, which limits bills for households with high water usage, will now include individuals receiving specific disability benefits.
To qualify for the WaterSure program, individuals must be recipients of Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a household income below £25,745 annually. Currently, around 260,000 households benefit from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Households seeking eligibility must have a water meter and qualify as high water users due to a medical condition or having three or more children at home. The need for a doctor’s note as part of the application process will be eliminated.
Reforms to eligibility criteria will result in existing recipients potentially saving up to an additional £100, with Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasizing the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing financial burdens. Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), praised the government’s adoption of most of the recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme, providing relief to many customers who rely heavily on water for essential needs.
James Taylor, director of strategy at Scope, a disability equality charity, welcomed the expansion of discounted water bills to more disabled families, highlighting the financial strain water bills can impose on households with disabilities. The changes aim to alleviate some of the financial pressure faced by vulnerable customers and enhance the value of financial assistance provided.
The government’s commitment to enhancing the WaterSure scheme aligns with efforts to support those in need and ensure a sustainable water system for the future.
