Martin Lewis has urged people to take a look at how their water bill is calculated, saying that households could save serious cash if they follow his advice to make a key change.
On the latest episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV, the MoneySavingExpert founder explained that while households are not able to switch water providers, there are some simple steps they can take to save money on their bills. Martin started off by posing the question: "Do you have more than or the same bedrooms as people in your home?"
If this is the case for your household and you live in England or Wales, he said that getting a free water meter installed is likely to save you cash. "If you're on water rates, rates are roughly the rentable value of your house, which is a proxy for the value for the house," Martin explained - meaning that you are charged according to the size of your home rather than how many people are in it, compared to a water meter which measures actual water usage.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges Brits to spend £1 now to save hundreds in the future
Martin advised visiting CCWater.org.uk to check how much you could be saving - and urged people that it could lead to huge savings. "This can be hundreds of pounds. Do not discount this as something trivial," he said.
The money expert added: "I've had people get in touch saying they saved six, seven hundred quid a year on this." Martin went on to issue advice for people living in flats who are not able to have water meters installed.
"If it's 'not practicable' to get a water meter fitted, you can ask for an assessed charge," he explained. "That's where they work out roughly what you would pay if you were on a water meter, even though you can't have one, and you're charged that rather than the water rates."
Martin's co-host Angellica Bell chimed in to share a success story that a fan of Martin's had sent in. "I saw you suggest getting in touch with your water company if you were unable to have a water meter to ask for an assessment," they wrote.
"My provider called me back to say I'm now due a rebate of £1,132.81! As a 76-year-old relying on her State Pension, this is like winning the lottery."
A touched Martin responded: "That's why I come here every week." If you are disabled, have medical issues that may mean you have to use a lot of water, or are on benefits, Martin advised getting in touch with your water firm as there may be financial help available.
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