Over 5.7million hard-up households in the UK are paying more for their water than they need to, missing out on combined savings worth £900m, according to new research.
The report by by Policy in Practice has shown that only 1.2million households countrywide - or 17% of those eligible - are paying a social water tariff and thousands of North East families could get up to 50% off their water bill by switching to a little-known discount scheme provided by Northumbrian Water to help with the cost of living crisis.
As much as 12% of a typical household’s energy bill is generated by heating water for showers, baths, and general washing and this means that by using less hot water you can save money on your energy bill too, according to experts Waterwise, as it launches Water Saving Week from May 15-19.
Read more: Can you wash your clothes in cold water to save money?
Water companies all over the UK provide cheaper rates for low-income households, and while Northumbrian Water's is not the most generous, households in our area pay the second lowest average water bills in the country at £391 per year, second only to Hafren Dyfrdwy customers in Wales.
Unlike other utilities, you can't change water companies if you're not happy with the prices or the service, so Northumbrian Water's nearly three million customers from Berwick in the north down to Teesside in the south should look at what discounts Northumbrian Water can offer, depending on circumstances and household income:
Low Income Discount
If you're on a low income or receive pension credit, your bill may be reduced by up to 50%. Your total household income includes your benefits, such as Universal Credit and housing benefit, but does not include disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments Attendance Allowance and other disability payments.
Who can apply?
- If your total household income is less than £17,005, and your annual water bill is more than three per cent of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments) or,
- If someone in your household receives Pension Credit, and your annual water bill is three per cent or more of your net household income (after housing costs, rent or mortgage payments), or
- your income is not enough to cover your essential bills - in this case, you'll need a financial assessment from an independent debt advice organisation, such as StepChange Debt Charity, along with your application.
You can start the application by emailing SupportPLUS@nwl.co.uk. or calling 0345 733 5566 Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
Water Direct
If you've fallen behind with your payments by more than £50, Water Direct can help you get back on track if you get a qualifying benefit. You fill in an application that Northumbrian Water sends to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), who will decide if it can collect payments straight from your benefits, before they're paid to you. The money will go towards paying off money owed, as well as your latest bill. Any recovery action will also be stopped as long as you use Water Direct.
To qualify, you must receive one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Based Employment & Support Allowance
- Pension Credit, or
- Universal Credit.
Apply here or call 0345 733 5566.
Watersure
If you don't qualify for the help above, it may also be possible to get a reduced or capped bill through the national WaterSure scheme, available through all water companies. To be eligible, you must have a water meter and have three or more children under the age of 19 in full-time education, or live with someone with a medical condition that means they use extra water.
You (or someone living with you) will also need to receive one of the following benefits:
- Child tax credit (except families receiving the family element only)
- Housing benefit
- Income-based jobseeker's allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Income support
- Pension credit
- Universal credit
- Working tax credit
If you're accepted, your bills will be capped, so regardless of how much water you use, you won't pay more than your supplier's average household cost. To apply for Watersure, click here
If you don't qualify for any of the schemes
If are still struggling to pay, Northumbrian Water has a range of help available, including:
- Payment plan with affordable payments;
- Payment breaks, where it is needed
- Advice and support, especially if you're feeling stressed and anxious about money
- Referring you to expert third party services to help you manage any debt.
If you pay for your bills via traditional water rates you may want to consider switching to a water meter. These meters became compulsory in all new properties from 1990 onwards but if your house was built before then, you can still apply for a water meter to be fitted if you think it would save you money.
Has a water meter saved you money? Join in the conversation below
Generally, if there are fewer people living in the house than there are bedrooms, you will probably save money by having a water meter fitted. So if you are a couple living in a four-bedroomed house, it is probably worth your while to make the switch.
If you choose to get a water meter, you have up to two years to change your mind. You cannot remove the water meter from the property, but your water bill will switch back to an unmetered one. If you move out, and someone else moves in, they will be charged based on the meter, and the water they use.
Also check out the water-saving gadgets you can get from Northumbrian Water free of charge.
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