bbc.com
Water Bill Help Soars, But Support Varies
Record numbers of households in England and Wales are seeking help with their water bills, but the level of support varies widely depending on the water company.
English
United Kingdom
Labour MarketUkEnergy SecurityPovertyInequalitySupportWaterBills
BbcConsumer Council For Water (Ccw)United UtilitiesWelsh Water (Dŵr Cymru)Southern Water
Morgan DaviesEllie BryanAndy White
- What factors contributed to the increase in households seeking help with water bills?
- Water companies in England and Wales use different criteria and offer varying discounts for their social tariffs, leading to a significant disparity in the amount of help households receive.
- How did a social tariff help Ellie Bryan and Morgan Davies manage their water bill debt?
- The increase in households seeking help is attributed to greater promotion of support schemes, improved data sharing, and the rising cost of living.
- What is the Consumer Council for Water's (CCW) stance on the current social tariff system?
- The average bill reduction on social tariffs varies greatly among water companies, ranging from £110 to £287, creating a postcode lottery where the level of support depends on the provider.
- How do water companies determine which households qualify for assistance with their water bills?
- The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) advocates for a single, standardized social tariff scheme across all water companies to ensure consistent support for low-income households.
- What is the range of average bill reductions offered by water companies through their social tariffs?
- Ellie Bryan and Morgan Davies benefited from a social tariff after facing a no-fault eviction, reducing their monthly water bill significantly, highlighting the importance of seeking available help.