Sutton and East Surrey has met its target of attracting 2,000 customers to sign up for its Social Tariff four months ahead of schedule.

Sutton and East Surrey Water introduced its pilot Social Tariff Scheme in April of this year. It set a target of attracting 2,000 households to sign up by the end of March 2015 and 5,000 by March 2016. The discount will increase to 50 per cent for the second year of the scheme.

So far, 2,000 customers who were struggling to pay their water bills have signed up and are benefitting from a 25 per cent saving on their water charges.

The pilot year is being fully funded by the Company.  Funding in subsequent years will be from a £2 contribution from non-eligible customers.

Research indicated that approximately 75 per cent of customers supported the introduction of the scheme. To fit the criteria customers must be in receipt of certain means tested benefits such as income support or pension credits. Alternatively they must have a household income of less than the HMRC’s low income threshold (currently £16,010) and either be over 62 years of age, have a disability or parental responsibility for a child under 5.

Jeremy Downer, Sutton and East Surrey Water’s Head of Customer Services said:

“I am really pleased that we have managed to reach our target for this year to reduce water bills for 2,000 of our customers.  Our team can be really proud of the work they have put in to promote this scheme and the commitment they have shown in helping these customers make savings on their water charges.”

 Despite meeting its target well ahead of schedule this year, the water company said it will continue to accept applications for the Social Tariff from its customers.