£30m set to be spent helping 100,000 customers struggling with water bill
As the rise in utility costs continues to batter the country and impact families on low incomes, Severn Trent has launched an initiative to help those families pay their water bills, reports Fahad Tariq
FAMILIES on low incomes can now get up to a 90 per cent reduction on their water bills. Severn Trent is spending £30million on supporting those who have been hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.
It comes as families across the region are facing cost of living pressures – with some having to decide whether to keep their heating on or have a meal.
Severn Trent already provides support to 215,000 customers with a range of schemes to help those in need. And the company has pledged to support an extra 100,000 customers through this funding.
The company’s customer support schemes include:
■ The Big Different Scheme:
This can offer a reduction of water bills to any Severn Trent customer with a household income below £16,385. This is the scheme that’s being extended to a further 100,000 people.
■ Severn Trent Trust Fund: Customers who are unable to meet the cost of water charges and who live in the Severn Trent area can apply for help directly and to organisations that work in the area of debt advice. To date, the fund has supported more than 627,500 customers.
■ Watersure: A scheme for Severn Trent customers that cap bills at the average yearly charge.
■ Priority Services Register: Available to Severn Trent customers if they feel they would benefit from a more personalised service. The register helps identify customers with medical conditions, disability or restricted mobility, sight or hearing loss and those who would appreciate receiving their bills in a different format.
Liv Garfield, below, Severn Trent CEO, said: “As cost of living pressures continue to rise, we’re acting now to support people struggling to pay their bills.
“Our customers have the second-lowest bill in the UK, at around £1 per day, but we know that for some, paying this remains a challenge.
“I’m pleased to announce a commitment to help thousands more people on low incomes to reduce their water bill by up to 90 per cent.” Recent figures show six per cent of people in the Midlands are classed as being in water poverty. Severn Trent believes supporting an extra 100,000 people will directly help those in water poverty, supporting a total of 315,000 of the company’s most financially vulnerable customers. David Black, CEO of the Water Services Regulation Authority, said: “No-one should have to choose between paying for water and paying for food.
“We’re pleased to see Severn Trent recognising the increased pressure facing customers and acting now to help those struggling in water poverty.
“Other companies should look to do more to respond to the cost of living worries and we will be issuing new guidelines to signal the increased expectations of Ofwat and the public.”
You can find more information and check your eligibility for the funding on Severn Trent’s website.