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Liverpool Echo

Business

Gemma Jones

Money Saving Expert says thousands of homes could get 90% off water bills

Money Saving Expert has issued new advice on how to cut the costs of your water bills.

The consumer specialist website said that thousands of households in England and Wales could be eligible for up to 90% off their water bill by switching to a discounted tariff provided by their supplier. While you can't switch water supplier – you're locked in to using the water and sewerage company that supplies your area – almost all water suppliers are offering a cheaper tariff for those on the lowest incomes.

Chris Newlands, News and Investigations Editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "Water bills make up a significant part of people's monthly outgoings and so it is great to know there is help out there for those who are struggling, with some providers now offering up to 90% off bills as the cost of living crisis worsens. Applying doesn’t take long and most suppliers have set up easy systems to help with this process. However, for some you’ll need to provide proof of income and any benefits you receive."

For those in the Merseyside area, United Utilities supplies everyone's water. They are offering two discounts at the minute - check below to see if you are eligible and what other help is available.

United Utilies discount schemes

Bills capped

For those on Pension Credit, bills can be capped at £258 per year or £366 per year depending on how many people you live with. To apply, you may need to provide proof of benefits and household income but you can do so by clicking here.

Bill reduction

Your annual water bill could be reduced by between £90 and £492. To claim you need to be in arrears with your previous year's water bill and/or you have household income of less than £21,000 if the reason you're applying is due to a recent life event.

You also need to be claiming at least one of these means-tested benefits:

Child tax credit
Council tax reduction/support
Housing benefit
Income-based jobseeker's allowance
Income-related employment and support allowance
Income support
Pension credit
Universal credit
Working tax credit

To apply, you may need to provide proof of benefits and household income but you can do so by clicking here.

You can also get your bills capped via the WaterSure scheme

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. Typical savings can be about £250 a year. To sign up, contact your supplier for an application form.

Other ways to save on your water bill

Help from the water companies is not the only way you could pay less. If you don't qualify, try:

Switching to a free water meter. Some could save hundreds by switching to a free water meter rather than paying a fixed bill. This typically applies if there are more bedrooms in your home than people, or the same number. To get a water meter installed, head to your provider's website and see if you can apply – you'll usually need to fill in an application form – or give it a call and ask. If you already have a water meter, double-check your direct debit to make sure your usage is correct and you aren't overpaying.
Asking for an assessed charge bill. If you can't get a water meter, you can ask for an 'assessed charge bill'. This is worked out on details such as how many people live in your home, but varies from company to company.
Checking if you're owed a sewage rebate. If your home isn't connected to the public sewer, you don't need to pay waste water charges. It is worth contacting your supplier to find out more.