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Thousands of customers at UK’s biggest water firm could get their bills cut in HALF – check if you can tap into savings
Plus, we've explained how to check whether you can save with a water meter
THOUSANDS of customers at the UK's biggest water company could get their bills cut in half through a little-known scheme.
Thames Water, which serves 16million customers, has enhanced its social water tariff offer to help struggling households cut their bills.
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Data suggests that two million households across the county who qualify to be on discounted social water tariffs aren't claiming the savings provided, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).
Only 1.3million households are currently issued with a social water tariff - up 19% from the previous year.
And the average household qualifying for the discounted water rates can slash their bills by £160 a year.
Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you're on a low income and the CCW is calling on customers to take advantage before bills rise in April.
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Who's eligible for help and the level of support offered varies depending on your water company.
Thames Water's WaterHelp scheme provides eligible customers with a 50% discount off their annual bill.
Households used to qualify for the discount if their total household income falls below £17,005, or £21,749 in London boroughs.
However, the water firm has updated its eligibility criteria to compare a customer's water bills with their income, alongside considering how many people live on their property.
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Instead of setting a specific income threshold to qualify, customers are offered discounted rates if their bill is more than 5% of their net income.
Customers can apply for the discount over the phone by calling Thames Water on 0800 980 8800.
Thames Water isn't the only firm offering discounted rates, we've explained what else is on offer below.
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WHAT ARE OTHER SUPPLIERS OFFERING?
Severn Trent customers can access its Big Difference Scheme, which can reduce the average customer bill by up to 70%.
The scheme can offer a reduction of water bills to Severn Trent customers with a household income below £20,048.
Yorkshire Water offers a social tariff to households with an income below £19,000 and a water bill of more than £364 a year.
Portsmouth Water's social tariff is for households with incomes below £21,000, excluding the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment
- Mortgage Interest Relief
- Attendance Allowance
- Housing / Council Tax Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
If your application is successful, then your water bill will be capped at a minimum charge of £91.12.
To find out what's on offer from your water company, visit their website.
You can find out who your local water supplier is by visiting www.water.org.uk/customers/find-your-supplier.
CUT YOUR BILLS WITH A METER
A WATER meter is a device that will measure how much water you use and send the data to your supplier who uses it to take more accurate readings and charge you your bill.
If you have a water meter, you'll only be charged for what you actually use, whereas without one, you'll be charged a flat rate that's often based on your home's rateable value.
As a rule of thumb, if there are more bedrooms in your home than people, you'll save money with a water meter.
You can use the Consumer Council for Water's calculator to work out how much you can save at www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/water-meter-calculator.
OTHER HELP
Most suppliers also have a pot of money to dish out to thousands of customers who are under pressure from rising costs - and you don't have to pay it back.
These grants can be worth hundreds of pounds offering a vital lifeline when faced with daunting water bills.
The exact amount you can get depends on where you live and your supplier, as well as your individual circumstances.
For example, Thames Water has given out £500,000 worth of grants and helped nearly 4,000 households buy essential appliances including fridge freezers and washing machines.
Priority is given to those who have experienced exceptional circumstances.
Residents in East Anglia can access the Anglian Water Assistance Fund which offers help to those going through extreme circumstances.
For instance, if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, lose a spouse, or are a victim of domestic abuse.
Aside from grants, water companies provide other ways of helping with bills.
Many billpayers across the country could also get help paying off water debts through a little-known scheme and even get the balance written off.
Companies match the payments eligible customers make against the debt on their account to help clear it sooner.
If you're on a water meter but find it hard to save water as you have a large family or water-dependent medical condition, you may be able to cap your bills through the WaterSure scheme.
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Bills are capped at the average amount for your supplier, so the amount you could save will vary.
The Consumer Council for Water estimates that bills are reduced by £307 on average through the scheme.
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