Following the recent announcement of increases to water bills in England and Wales, the Consumer Council for Water has some top tips that could help some customers ensure that they are getting best value for money, and in some cases cut their annual water and sewerage charges.
Although customers have been able to have a water meter installed free of charge for over 10 years, many of those who would make significant saving with a meter have not made the switch. A person living alone currently paying an average unmetered bill might save around £100 a year and for some, savings can be even higher.
The Consumer Council for Water's website (www.ccwater.org.uk) includes a handy water meter calculator to help customers work out if they could save money by having a water meter fitted.
Generally, customers can switch back to the unmetered charge anytime within the first 12 months if they are unhappy with the change.
If a water meter cannot be fitted, customers will have the option of an 'assessed measured charge' which reflects what a likely metered bill would be.
If a customer already has a meter, fixing dripping taps, installing a water saving device in toilets or more water efficient appliances, taking showers rather than baths and collecting rainwater for use in the garden are all great ways to be more water efficient and save money.
Around a quarter of a household's energy bill comes from heating water for baths or showers, or for washing clothes or dishes. By reducing water usage, families should also see a reduction in energy bills.
By carefully reading through their water bill, customers may find ways to save. For example, if they have a soakaway which drains rainwater into the ground rather than into the public sewerage system, they can apply to their local sewerage company to have surface water drainage charges removed. This could typically save around £30 each year. If customers have a septic tank they should not be paying sewerage charges at all.
If customers are struggling to pay their bills there are special tariffs and assistance schemes available to help them. Our advice would be for customers to contact their water company to see what help they are eligible for. WaterSure is a scheme that caps a household's charges at the average metered bill for their area so vulnerable households can use the water they need without having to worry about a high bill.
Customers receiving income related benefits, who have a meter and either three or more dependant children, or a medical condition that means they need to use more water, are eligible for help under the WaterSure scheme. A low income household of five with a water meter could be spending around £700 per year on water. By applying for the WaterSure scheme they might be able to cut this bill in half.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: "Customers should not pay any more than they need to for their water or sewerage services. By taking a few minutes to consider our money saving tips and to check their bills, customers can avoid losing out, and in some cases could make real savings."
For more information on ways to save money on water bills and the water meter bill calculator visit www.ccwater.org.uk.
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The Consumer Council for Water
1. The Consumer Council for Water was set up in October 2005 to represent consumers in England and Wales.
2. The Consumer Council for Water costs each water customer 23p per year.
3. The Consumer Council for Water has gained £135 million from water companies in reduced prices and extra investments.
4. The Consumer Council for Water has to date dealt with over 80,000 consumer complaints about water and sewerage companies, and secured £11 million in compensation and rebates for customers.
5. The Consumer Council for Water is a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Assembly Government. It has a committee for Wales, and four committees in England.
6. Our website is www.ccwater.org.uk.
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PDF version The due date for paying water bills is fast approaching but there is support available for those struggling to make the payments, says water watchdog the Consumer Council for Water.
Customers who are unable to pay their bill should approach their water company for help as soon as possible. Making the company aware of the situation means customers can get the support they need. Water companies can offer more flexible payment options which allow customers to pay charges in a way that better suits their circumstances, such as a weekly or monthly payment plan.
Also, many water companies have set up trusts or other schemes which could help customers clear some outstanding debt. Individual water companies have different application procedures and there are different criteria which customers must meet to be eligible for these schemes. Customers should contact their water company to find out more.
Where customers are behind in paying their water bills and are in receipt of certain income related benefits, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may be able to provide budgeting help by deducting a set amount from benefits and paying it directly to the water company until the arrears are cleared. Customers who think they could be eligible for the Water Direct scheme should contact their water company or the DWP to apply.
Customers on a water meter who have three or more dependent children, or a medical condition that means they need to use more water, are eligible for help under the WaterSure scheme if they also receive income related benefits. WaterSure caps a household’s water bill at the average rate for their area so vulnerable households can use the water they need without having to worry about a high bill.
Customers who think they may be eligible should contact their water company and those who sign up have the potential to save a significant amount. For example, a household of five with a water meter could be spending around £700 per year on water. By being on the WaterSure scheme, a low income household could cut this bill in half.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “We know that levels of water debt are increasing, currently around £1.4 billion industry wide, and more and more people are struggling to pay all household bills, not just water. If customers are worried about paying their water bills they should not hesitate in contacting their local water company.
“Consumer Council for Water staff can also explain the options available and point customers in the right direction during what can be a stressful time. We’re here to make sure customers get the help they are entitled to, and there is no charge for contacting us.”
For more information visit the Consumer Council for Water website at www.ccwater.org.uk or phone 0845 039 2837.
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Notes for editors
1. To be eligible for WaterSure, customers must have a water meter and be receiving income-related benefits. They must also have either three or more children under 19 living at home and in full time education or a medical condition that requires extra water. Customers who meet these criteria can have their water bill capped at the amount of the average household bill for their water company.
2. To be eligible for Water Direct customers must be in arrears with their water services charges and receive income related benefits (Income Support, Pension Credit, Employment Support Allowance or Job Seekers Allowance). Customers who think they are eligible should contact their water company or the Department for Work and Pensions to apply.
The Consumer Council for Water
1. The Consumer Council for Water was set up in October 2005 to represent consumers in England and Wales.
2. The Consumer Council for Water costs each water customer 21p per year.
3. The Consumer Council for Water has gained £135 million from water companies in reduced prices and extra investments.
4. The Consumer Council for Water has to date dealt with over 80,000 consumer complaints about water and sewerage companies, and secured £11 million in compensation and rebates for customers.
5. The Consumer Council for Water is a non-departmental public body reporting to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Welsh Assembly Government. It has a committee for Wales, and four committees in England.
6. Our website is www.ccwater.org.uk.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=419156&...
Water bills will be cut for the most vulnerable households under plans announced by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman today.
The consultation published today builds on the findings and recommendations of Anna Walker’s independent review of charging for household water and sewerage services and further analysis by Ofwat on options for tackling high water bills in the South West.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:
“We know that some households are really struggling with their water bills, particularly in the South West where people are paying the highest bills in the country.
“Our plans will increase the help available for vulnerable households right across England, with special help for people in the South West who, through no fault of their own, are battling astronomical water bills during a difficult economic climate.”
Following the Budget commitment to look at how the Government can help households having trouble paying their water bills and households in areas with particularly high bills, such as the South West, the plans propose several options to help customers.
The proposed reforms include:
Significant investment in infrastructure since privatisation, the rural character of the area and its low population density have made water bills in the South West the highest in the country.
The final policies will be included in the forthcoming Water White Paper.
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