An extra 53,000 low-income households on disability benefits are set to receive help paying their water bills under changes to the WaterSure scheme. The scheme, which caps bills for households that use high amounts of water, will now include those receiving Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
To qualify, households must have a water meter, be high water users due to a medical condition or having three or more children, and have an annual income below £25,745. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that 260,000 households already benefit, saving an average of £325 each.
Under the reforms, most existing recipients will see further savings of up to £100, and applicants will no longer need a doctor's note. Water Minister Emma Hardy stated: “Vulnerable households are particularly affected by cost-of-living pressures, including water bills. Reforming WaterSure will make a meaningful difference to hundreds of thousands of families who need support the most.”
Mike Keil, chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), welcomed the changes, saying: “These improvements will bring peace of mind to tens of thousands more customers whose circumstances mean they have no choice but to use a significant amount of water for essential needs.”
James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, added: “Life costs more if you are disabled, and it’s very good news that more disabled families will qualify for discounted water bills.”
