Benefits claimants have been granted exemptions from mandatory hosepipe bans during ongoing drought restrictions across parts of southern England, according to reports. While millions of Southern Water and Affinity Water customers have faced fines since Friday to prevent water shortages, thousands on the WaterSure tariff remain free to use water without penalty.
Unequal enforcement in Hampshire
In Hampshire, where three 34°C heatwaves have scorched lawns this summer, the rules are not being applied equally to all households. Local residents have noted stark contrasts between neighbours. Fareham working mother of two, Sarah Thompson, told the Telegraph: “We’ve paid our full water bills every month, cut back on everything, and now we can’t even fill a watering can without worrying about a £1,000 fine.”
A neighbour on Universal Credit with three children and a household member with a medical condition faced no restriction, running a sprinkler and filling a paddling pool, she pointed out. The operational contrast has ignited fury over what critics call “two-tier Britain.”
WaterSure scheme details
The WaterSure scheme, expanded by Labour this year, caps bills for low-income households with large families or significant medical water needs. Applicants must claim welfare benefits such as Universal Credit or housing benefit. Those misusing it for non-essential ponds or pools are technically ineligible, but enforcement appears lax. More than 250,000 households nationally use the scheme, including thousands under Southern and Affinity.
Political backlash
Reform MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, Suella Braverman, said: “How ridiculous has this country become when you have to be on benefits to use water? It’s absurd and another act of lunacy in Labour’s two-tier Britain, where aspiration and hard work are punished. Many people will rightly ask what is the point of working when you can get so many benefits for free.”
The Conservatives also attacked the policy. Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “It beggars belief that people getting reduced water bills at the expense of everyone else are exempt from this hosepipe ban. Of course, those with disabilities or a genuine need should be able to use a hosepipe. But the fact that people claiming welfare are also exempt, while full bill-payers face the restrictions, will come as a kick in the hosepipe.”
Labour's reforms and context
Labour’s reform of the scheme, originally introduced by Tony Blair in 1999, removed red tape, including the need for a doctor’s note. It added 53,000 more people, bringing the number eligible to more than 300,000 and saving recipients an average of £325 per year. Other water firms limit exemptions more tightly to Blue Badge holders or Priority Services Register customers.
Water company responses
A spokesman for Affinity Water said: “WaterSure supports customers who have an essential need and need to use more water, such as those with certain medical conditions. We recognise that different customers need different types of support, and we work to understand their circumstances and provide the right type of help where needed. We highlighted WaterSure customers in our communications as more than 85% were also registered as a Priority Services Register customer, and we wanted to make it simple and clear where the exemptions apply and where support is available.”
A Southern Water spokesman added: “The WaterSure tariff supports customers who have higher essential water use for a variety of reasons, from large families to disability to mobility issues. Some qualify for multiple reasons. Rather than introduce a complex process that could create confusion and anxiety among the more vulnerable, we’ve communicated to everyone on this tariff in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that the current hosepipe restrictions do not apply to them. Our messaging makes clear that we still expect these customers to use water wisely, and we have offered advice on how they can reduce their water usage without affecting their essential needs. Even small changes make a big difference and we’re grateful to all our customers for their support in helping protect the environment and keep taps flowing.”
