An additional 53,000 households are set to receive an average discount of £325 on their water bills through a significant update to the WaterSure scheme. The scheme, which currently limits bills for households with high water usage, is expanding its eligibility criteria to include individuals receiving specific disability benefits.
Households qualifying for Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with an annual household income below £25,745 will now be eligible for the WaterSure scheme. Currently, around 260,000 households benefit from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
To qualify, households must have a water meter and demonstrate high water usage due to a medical condition or having three or more children at home. Notably, applicants will no longer be required to provide a doctor’s note during the application process.
The reforms in eligibility will also modify the price cap calculation method, potentially resulting in additional savings of up to £100 for existing recipients. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable households facing financial pressures, particularly regarding water bills.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), expressed satisfaction with the government’s adoption of most of the recommended changes to the WaterSure scheme. The improvements aim to provide peace of mind to a larger number of customers with essential high water usage needs.
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, praised the expansion of discounted water bills for more disabled families, highlighting the financial challenges faced by disabled individuals due to higher water consumption requirements.
The updates to the WaterSure scheme aim to alleviate financial burdens for vulnerable households and ensure fair access to essential water services.