Around 300,000 low‑income households will see lower water bills thanks to the biggest overhaul of WaterSure in nearly 30 years.

Hundreds of thousands of households will benefit from lower water bills after the Government announced a major reform of WaterSure.

Low-income households who use high amounts of water can qualify to have their bills capped. They must have a water meter and either a specific medical condition or three or more children living at home.

More than a quarter of a million households (260,000) are already benefiting from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each – over a third of their typical bill.

The changes will expand the eligibility criteria to include disability benefits – meaning a further 53,000 low-income households will see significant savings.

The reforms will also alter the way the price cap is determined, with most of the existing recipients seeing further savings of up to £100.

Together the changes - the first since the scheme was introduced in 1999 – will mean around 300,000 households will see substantial help with their bills via WaterSure.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said:

"Vulnerable households are particularly affected by cost-of-living pressures, including water bills.

"Reforming WaterSure will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of thousands of families who need support the most.

"These steps build on our Water White Paper that champions customers, protects the environment, restores public trust and works to secure a water system fit for the future."

The WaterSure changes include:

• More people with disabilities will qualify. Those receiving disability benefits will now be eligible if their household income is below £25,745 per year.
• Bill caps will be fairer. Bills will be capped at the lowest average reading, helping those currently paying more
• People living alone will get extra help. Their bills will be capped at the average bill for a one-person household.
• Less red tape. People will no longer need to pay for a doctor’s note to apply, making it quicker, cheaper, and easier to get help.

These moves build on recent announcements in the Water White Paper that champion consumer savings, including an accelerated smart meter rollout to millions of homes to help people save money on their bills.

In addition, the introduction of mandatory water efficiency labelling on appliances - such as washing machines, dishwashers and showers - can save households around £125million in total on bills over the next decade.

The changes to WaterSure follow other Government reforms that will deliver more security, opportunity, and respect for every family.

The Child Poverty Strategy will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030 – the biggest reduction in a single parliament since records began.

Families can also benefit from wider support announced at the budget, including £150 off energy bills, increasing the living wage by £900 a year and the removal of the two-child limit.

Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said:

"We’re delighted the UK Government is taking forward the majority of the changes CCW recommended as part of our review of the WaterSure scheme.

"These improvements will bring peace of mind to tens of thousands more customers whose circumstances mean they have no choice but to use a significant amount of water for essential needs.

Many households are grappling with rising water bills, and these reforms will help relieve some of that pressure through extending support to more of the most vulnerable customers and also increasing the value of that financial assistance, in many cases."

continues to be improved for those who need it most – including people who may still fall outside this scheme.