Britons can claim up to 90% discount on water bills – full list | Personal Finance | Finance

Britons are being urged to check if they qualify for a discount on their water bill before planned payment increases come into effect in April.

Water arrears are rising, with 38% of individuals seeking debt support last month behind on payments – a 6% increase from 32% the previous year – according to Money Wellness, a free debt counselling service.

Industry regulator Ofwat confirmed last week that the average household water bill will rise 25% (£123 a year) on April 1. This will see the typical annual water and wastewater bill jump from £480 to £603, adding around £10 extra per month to charges.

The impact will vary across regions, with some households facing steeper increases. Southern Water customers, for example, will experience the highest hike at 47%, pushing their average annual bill to £703.

Money Wellness’ figures highlighted the growing financial burden, with one in five households reporting difficulties in paying their water bills over the past year and 8.2% of households in arrears to their providers.

However, support, such as discounted tariffs, is available, but many eligible people are not claiming it. According to Policy in Practice’s latest research, £974million worth of water bill social tariffs were going unclaimed in 2024.

Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, said: “Many water companies offer discounts if you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support.”

Here is a breakdown of what’s available from each provider.

Affinity Water – Lift

Customers with a household income below £18,725 (excluding benefits) or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Pension Credit can qualify. The scheme caps annual clean water bills at £119.50, with a lower fixed rate of £79.70 for those receiving council tax reduction/support.

Anglian Water – Lite

Eligibility is based on an individual financial assessment. Customers who qualify can receive up to 50% off their annual bill through a reduced metered tariff.

Bournemouth Water – WaterCare

This scheme is for customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Applicants must have a water meter or be on assessed charges. Discounts are applied in bands ranging from 15% to 85%.

Bristol Water – Assist

Low-income households facing financial difficulty can access a low-rate tariff based on their ability to pay, with discounts applied to the average annual bill.

Cambridge Water – Assure

Customers receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) or with a household income below £20,500 (plus £1,500 per child) may qualify. Eligible households receive a 60% bill reduction in the first year and 40% in the second year. If claimants have no income while waiting for a Universal Credit application, charges are fully waived for eight weeks.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water – HelpU

Customers receiving income-related benefits with household incomes below £11,600 (one person), £17,400 (two people), or £18,800 (three or more people) can qualify. Bills are capped at £290.03 per year.

Essex and Suffolk Water – SupportPLUS

Households earning less than £23,933 or those where a member receives Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of net income) can receive up to a 50% discount on their annual bill.

Hafren Dyfrdwy – Here2Help

This scheme reduces annual water charges by up to 70%, depending on household size and income.

Hartlepool Water – Lite

Customers with a water meter can access various discount schemes. Eligible households can receive up to 50% off water and sewerage charges.

Northumbrian Water – SupportPLUS

Households earning less than £23,933 or with a member receiving Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of net income) may qualify. Discounts of up to 50% are available.

Portsmouth Water – Helping Hand Tariff

Households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) can have their water bill capped at £91.12 per year, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

Severn Trent Water – Big Difference

This scheme supports low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.

South East Water

Customers with a household income below £18,725 (excluding disability benefits) can have their annual bill capped at £182.82 (East) or £146.94 (West), according to CCW.

From April 1, 2025, a new tiered discount based on household income will be applied. A 30% discount will apply for those whose household income is between £17,000 and £21,000. A 50% reduction will be applied for households with an annual income of less than £17,000.

Southern Water – Essentials Tariff

Households earning less than £21,000 (excluding certain benefits) and with savings below £16,000 may receive a discount of between 45% and 90%. Households qualifying only through Pension Credit receive a 45% discount.

South Staffordshire Water – Assure

Households earning less than £20,050 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) may qualify. Bills are reduced by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second. If a claimant has no income while waiting for Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.

South West Water – WaterCare

Customers spending 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills may qualify. Discounts range from 15% to 85%.

SES Water – Water Support

Eligibility is based on income: households earning below £18,725 outside London or £23,933 in London (excluding disability benefits). Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.

Thames Water – WaterHelp

Households spending more than 5% of their net income on water bills may receive a 50% discount.

United Utilities – Back on Track

Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,000 a year due to a recent life event may qualify. Water bills are capped at a lower amount for the year, depending on individual circumstances.

Wessex Water – Assist

This scheme offers discounts of up to 90% for those struggling to pay. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or relying solely on state pension get a £55 annual reduction.

Yorkshire Water – WaterSupport

Customers on low incomes can have their annual bill capped at £364 for 2024-25.

With support varying by provider, customers struggling to pay should check with their water company to see what assistance is available.