Thank you for contacting me about water bills.
The last Government had a proven track record of working to help keep bills down. From the TV licence to energy bills, Ministers in the last Government did not hesitate to take steps to support families, individuals and businesses with rising costs.
The last Government also began the vital reform to make our waterways fit for the future, and the current Government had promised to protect bill payers. However, after only a few months of the current Government being in office the average bill for consumers is going up 36 per cent over the 2025-2030 period - an average of £31 per year.
The Government must begin work as soon as possible to deliver on their promises to improve the water industry. Please know, I will be holding them to account to deliver on their commitments.
I do appreciate that consumers are concerned about their bills. For this reason, I expect all water companies to help consumers who struggle to pay their bills through measures such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support.
Social Tariffs are voluntary schemes designed and administered by water companies to provide a discounted water bill to qualifying customers who are unable to pay their water bill in full.
Companies should ensure households are aware of the support schemes available to them. I know that the last Government was working with industry and consumer groups to explore options to improve present social tariff arrangements and broader customer support, focusing on improving consistency and fairness. I hope that the current Government continues this important work and provides an update on its progress at the earliest opportunity.
