Hundreds of thousands more people will be able to receive help paying their water bills.
Multiple water companies are increasing their support for low-income households by around £200million collectively.
The move has been made to help those most vulnerable to the effects of the cost of living crisis.
Each water company has its own tailored support and some are available to be claimed right now, while other schemes will come online over the coming weeks and months.
The announcement coincides with the launch of a new campaign “Support on Tap” from Water UK and Consumer Council for Water (CCW).
Water UK says there is also further targeted support for low-income customers who use a lot of water for essential family or health reasons through the WaterSure scheme.
Stuart Colville, director of policy at Water UK said: “Water companies work at the heart of their communities so see the acute pressure that many customers are feeling at the moment. That’s why they are taking decisive action to ensure those in need get the right help.
“I would urge anyone who is worried about paying their bill to get in touch with their water company today. There is a range of help available, and companies are increasingly working with other organisations to ensure everyone is aware of the help available.”
Water UK also highlighted that unlike other utilities such as energy, household water customers will "never be disconnected for non-payment of bills".
Below, we explain the help available from each water company, when it is available, how much you could get, when you can claim, and how to claim.
Affinity Water
Affinity Water will be making one-off affordability payments of £50 for up to 30,000 of the company’s "most financially vulnerable" customers.
The cash is automatically credited to accounts identified by the company, and will show on your next bill and all eligible customers have been contact directly.
The group has also increased the number of low-income customers on discounted tariffs by 55% since 2020.
You can apply for support through Affinity Water's website, and to be accepted you will need to be claiming benefits and have a household income of less than £17,005.
Anglian Water
Anglian Water has announced a £135 million package of customer support helping 330,000 customers over the next year.
This includes discounted tariffs on water bills of up to 50% for eligible customers, temporary payment plans, forgiveness schemes, payment breaks in certain circumstances, and direct support through the Anglian Water Assistance Fund which helps cover the cost of bills if you are in arrears.
To access any of this support, you will need to contact the water company directly.
Northumbrian Water
Northumbrian Water has increased the support that it has available to vulnerable households, and those struggling to pay their bills can set up a payment plan, apply for a low-income discount or apply for a payment break.
The water company says it has increased the number of customers on social tariffs has increased by 50% over the last year.
This help is available now and if you believe you are eligible then you can contact Northumbrian Water directly.
Portsmouth Water
Portsmouth Water have increased the length of its "payment holidays" from three to six months to help those struggling to pay their bills.
It has also moved more than 10,000 customers onto water social tariffs.
Again, this support can be accessed by contacting Portsmouth Water directly.
Severn Trent
Severn Trent says it will be helping 100,000 additional households with social tariffs as part of an additional £30million package of support with over 200,000 households already being supported by the scheme.
As well as this, Severn Trent offers struggling households a reduction to their water bill if their annual income is less than £18,000 as part of its Big Difference Scheme.
If you're eligible, you could also get up to 90% off your average bill.
South East Water
South East Water has increased the income threshold for its Social Tariff, which caps the cost of tap water and wastewater, from £16,480 to £18,005 so that more customers can receive financial help.
Eligible households do not need to apply for the scheme as South East Water is currently working with three local councils to automatically identify those who can claim.
The water company is currently working to expand this scheme with five more local councils.
It also offers a Trusted Partners Scheme, which works with charities and voluntary groups in the third sector to automatically transfer people onto the social tariff and Priority Services Register without the need to apply.
South West Water
South West Water says that around 70,000 customers having accessed one or more of its support schemes through its Drop customer initiative.
If your supplier is South West Water and you need help paying your bill, you can fill in a simple form on its website to find out what help you can claim.
South West water says it has made nearly £70million of support available to customers since 2020 and over £39.2million has been given back to customers through reduced bills.
South Staffs Water and Cambridge Water
South Staffs Water and Cambridge Water have increased the income threshold of their social tariff from £17,005 per year to £19,050, so that more customers are eligible.
In 2021/22, the water company says 63,339 customers received the discounted tariff and the aim is to double the number of customers who receive support to pay their bills.
Southern Water
Southern Water is providing a £98million package of support for customers.
It has also increased the minimum discount from 20% to 45%, and those most in need are able to receive up to 90% off their bill.
Thames Water
Thames Water will be providing support to an additional 53,000 households throughout 2023 and 2024 taking the total helped to 384,000.
The London water company has a range of support on offer for customers, including payment plans and debt support schemes which people can access by contacting Thames Water directly.
The total value of this support is forecast to be over £110million and combined with the 2024-25 billing year will exceed £240million.
United Utilities
United Utilities is providing a total of £280million to help the most vulnerable up to 2025, through discounted tariffs and grants to individuals and families.
It says it expects to support over 200,000 customers in the next year.
If you live in the United Utilities area, you can apply for help online.
