Calls to reform water bills system

A single social tariff to help the 1.5million people who are currently struggling to pay their water bills would end the "postcode lottery" of support from suppliers, a consumer group says.

The tariff is among measures proposed by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to help struggling households get help from their supplier following its independent review of affordability of water on behalf of the Government.

There view found that–despite a significant rise incompanys upport schemes over the past decade–five out of six customerswho can not afford their water bills are not receiving the help they need.

It says there are regional variations in eligibility criteria – creating a "postcode lottery" of help.

The watchdog said a single social tariff–capping bills at 5% of income after housing costs– would ensure more consistent support based on need.

CC W chief executive Emma Clancy said: "We have a golden opportunity to create a simpler and fairer system and end the indignity of people skipping meals or other essentials to pay their water bill.

"Many people are craving certainty in these difficult times and these proposed changes would give millions of households one less thing to worry about.”

Water UK chief executive Christine McGourty said: "Water companies believe bills should be affordable for all customers, whatever their circumstances and wherever they live, and that a new approach to supporting people who are struggling financially is needed. The review's bold and far-reaching social tariffs will enable real progress to be made towards the shared goal of ending water poverty ."