Around 2 million struggling households are receiving lower water bills through water companies’ social tariff schemes to combat rising prices, according to new figures released today by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

Yorkshire Water has announced an increase in average customer bills of £135 (28.9%) in 2025-26, around £11 per month. All customers will be contacted directly with the exact details of their bill through the normal billing cycle which begins in February.

Average annual water and sewerage bills in England and Wales are set to rise by £123 from £480 to £603 in April – an increase of 26% on the previous year.

At a summit taking place today, Ofgem and Ofwat will bring together suppliers, customer groups and experts to work towards a transformation in customer service culture across energy and water – especially for vulnerable customers.

Ofwat has published its latest cost of living report on water customers’ experiences in England and Wales– the fifth in a series which focuses on how bill payers are managing financially and the extent to which they are struggling with daily costs.

Throughout July South Staffs has been running its summer roadshow – the water company has been stopping off in locations across its supply area to offer face-to-face support to anyone who needs support with their water bill.

The House of Lords will hold a formal debate on the HoL Industry and Regulators Committee report: 'The affluent and the effluent: cleaning up failures in water and sewage regulation' next week on Monday 16^th October.

Ofwat's latest cost of living research, published today, reveals not only that many customers are still struggling financially but also that the percentage of customers aware that financial help is available from water companies has hovered around 30% over the last year.

Information from Ofwat and CCW, published today, shows that water companies are increasing financial support for their customers, with record numbers benefiting from discounted water bills. However, both organisations are calling on companies to do even more to help in the face of immediate and urgent cost of living pressures.

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee will continue its inquiry on the work of Ofwat by taking evidence from Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 3pm tomorrow.