Thousands of low-income households across England and Wales are being urged by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) not to miss out on a raft of schemes which could stop water bills from draining their finances as price increases come into effect from April 1st.

Eighteen out of 21 water companies will have social tariffs in place from today, with the potential over time to significantly reduce water bills for almost half a million customers who are struggling to pay.

South Staffs Water, Cambridge Water and Dee Valley Water have become the latest companies to launch their own schemes this month, when the average water and sewerage bill across England and Wales is set to rise by £2 to £389. Portsmouth Water will also have a new tariff in place to help those on low incomes from July.

CCWater has welcomed the roll out of social tariffs - but warned that many households are missing out on the help available to them due to a lack of awareness or reluctance to ask for help.

Andy White, Senior Policy Manager at CCWater, said:

“We know from our research that one in eight households feel their water bill is not affordable. Help is waiting for thousands of customers, but many simply don’t expect to be able to get assistance from their water company.”

“Our message is very simple – don’t suffer in silence, ask your water company if you qualify for help. Social tariffs can reduce bills by more than 50 per cent in some cases, and are usually just one of the ways companies can help those facing financial difficulties.”

The water watchdog has produced a quick and easy-to-use online guide for households to check whether they might qualify for a social tariff which is available at ccwater.org.uk

Wessex Water and Bristol Water already operate social tariffs but are both adding new schemes from April 1, targeted at helping those who receive Pension Credit.

The other water companies with social tariffs are Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, Northumbrian Water, Severn Trent Water, South East Water, South West Water, Southern Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water.

The water watchdog has produced a quick and easy-to-use online guide for households to check whether they might qualify for a social tariff which is available at ccwater.org.uk

Water and energy companies join forces to help vulnerable customers

Water companies in the UK have also separately joined forces with energy companies in a new initiative to provide customers who need extra help with a more streamlined service making it easier to get help and stay safe at home.

Working closely together, network operators and suppliers will signpost customers not just to their own services but where to find all the support they need from any participating water or energy company.

This means customers will no longer have to hunt around to find out how to get braille or large print bills or to set up secure passwords so they can be assured that the water or energy employee at their door is genuine.

Lawrence Slade, chief executive of Energy UK said:

"Customers are at the heart of what we do, so any project aimed at helping the most vulnerable is a step in the right direction. It is important for customers to know of help available from utility companies and we look forward to seeing this partnership with the water networks progress."

David Smith, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association added: "Safeguarding customers in vulnerable circumstances is a top priority for all utilities, and electricity and gas network operators are acutely aware of the vital service they provide to ensure lights stay on and homes are warm. Working together to protect those who need more information and extra support is part of good customer care and this initiative will help all utilities to improve their service."

"Little households can do about price hikes until people get to choose who supplies their water"

 Commenting on the latest prices increases for customers,  Hannah Maundrell, editor in chief at consumer comparison website www.money.co.uk, said:

 “Until people get to choose who supplies their water and can play companies off against one another to squeeze them on cost, there is little households can do about these price hikes.

“The only option if you’re on a billed supply is to consider switching to a meter as it could save you a bundle. The general rule of thumb is that if there are fewer people living in your home than bedrooms you could be better off with a meter. Your water company should be able to help you work out whether it’s worthwhile switching but you will need to keep an eye on your bills. You only have 12 months to switch back if you find that it proves more expensive."

Ms. Maundrell also said customers should not put off paying their water bill and urged them to speak to their water company if they are struggling, warning that missing payments could affect their credit rating.