West Midlands Money Matters: How to get help with water bills as Severn Trent bills expected to rise

In this week’s Money Matters column, debt and energy manager Dan Bebbington from The Wrekin Housing Group talks through why water bills are going up and how you can keep yours at bay.

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visit Shots! now

It’s been announced that water bills are going up over the next five years, by an average of £19 each year.

Industry regulator Ofwat says this is necessary in order to fund a programme of upgrades to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

It means that by 2030, households will be paying around £100 more a year than we do currently.

However this varies depending on who your water company is, which is in turn determined by where you live.

In our region, water supplier Severn Trent is predicted to raise bills from an average of £403 this year to £495 in 2029/30.

However there are a number of schemes on offer to help people who may be struggling with their bills.

Water meters

Firstly, it might be worth considering switching to a water meter, if you’re not on one already.

On a meter, you’re paying for your actual water use. As a general rule, money saving expert Martin Lewis says you could be better off on a meter if you have more bedrooms than people in your home.

It’s free to get a meter, and if you do find you’re paying more you can move back to un-metered billing.

Once on a meter, there are a number of ways you can cut your water usage to keep your bill down. Some top tips include filling your washing machine to reduce the number of loads to wash, sticking to quick showers rather than baths, and collecting rainwater for watering plants.

You could also access free water-saving gadgets, including shower heads, tap inserts and garden hose nozzles, from Save Water Save Money.

File photo dated 31/01/12 of a household water tap as households struggling to pay their water bills are to receive help through new social tariffs, according to the Government. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday June 22, 2012. Water companies will be given the power to reduce bills for the most vulnerable customers under the tariffs set out in new Government guidance, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will announce from the Rio+20 Conference in Brazil. An estimated 2.4 million households have difficulties meeting the costs of their water bills. Water companies are bound by regulator Ofwat's licensing conditions, leaving them unable to reduce bills for certain customers. But the new guidance will free them to make cuts for struggling customers. See PA story CONSUMER Water. Photo credit should read: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

Assessed water bills

If it’s not possible for you to have a water meter because you live in a flat with shared pipes, for example, you can ask for an assessed bill instead. This will typically look at how many people live in the home, number of bedrooms and the type of property.

‘Social’ tariff and capped bills

If you have a low income, you could be eligible for a ‘social’ tariff, which could reduce or cap your annual bill.

Social tariffs vary between suppliers, but for Severn Trent it means up to 70% off your water bill.

You could be eligible if your household income is below £22,010, with an extra allowance on top of this if you have child dependants. Your income and circumstances will be assessed when you apply to determine the level of discount you get.

For households in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit, you could also have your bill capped through the WaterSure scheme. As well as receiving benefits, you normally also need to have at least three children in the home or a medical condition which means you use extra water.

To apply for a social tariff or the WaterSure scheme, contact your supplier directly. They will also be able to offer help if you are struggling to pay your bills.

Wrekin Housing Group customers can also contact our Money Matters team for support.