22 November 2006
Water's regulatory body Ofwat, has insisted that lower income families on the metering system are paying less for their water, with 13,000 customers receiving assistance under the Vulnerable Groups Tariff scheme between 2005-6.
Ofwat's head of consumer affairs, Sue Cox, said: "I am pleased that more vulnerable customers than ever before are taking advantage of the help that is available from their water companies. But take up remains low.
"I would encourage anyone who thinks that they may qualify for a reduced bill under the Vulnerable Groups scheme or who would like more help with particular needs to get in touch with their water company.," Ms Cox urged.
She added that Ofwat planned to continue its work with the Consumer Council for Water (CC Water) to ensure companies promote these services to families who could benefit from it.
This information arrives on the back of director of Waterwise, Jacob Tompkins', statement that introducing water meters would not lead to disparity in bills, according to family size.
Speaking on BBC Two's Daily Politics Show, Mr Tompkins said: "If we look at how we are paying for water at the moment, it is based on the rateability value of people's houses from almost 30 years ago."
"I think it is about time we started this debate and about one third of the country already pays by meter," he argued.
He also advocated CC Water's Dame Yve Buckland's suggestion that increased rates would only apply to those who used sprinklers and swimming pools, rather than those with large families.
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