19 September 2007
More households in England and Wales are receiving help with their bills and assistance with managing their water services, Ofwat, the water industry regulator has announced.
Latest figures released show the number of low-income metered households successfully applying to have their bill capped using the WaterSure scheme rose by nearly a quarter (23%) in the past year to more than 16,200 homes.
Furthermore, nearly 90,000 elderly and disabled customers registered to receive special assistance with their water and sewerage, up 8% from 82,800 in 2006.
Although Andrew Dunn, Ofwat's Director of Consumer Protection, welcomed the results, he also urged people eligible for extra help to contact their water company.
"I am pleased to see that more vulnerable customers and those requiring special assistance are taking advantage of the help that is available from water companies. But, despite the increases, take-up still remains low.
"I would encourage any customer who thinks that they may qualify for a reduced bill under the WaterSure scheme or who needs a specialised service to contact their water company. These schemes are there to help customers."
"WaterSure can take the worry out of turning on a tap, particularly for a customer with a medical condition who needs to use plenty of water. And elderly and disabled customers gain peace of mind through specialist services such as password schemes to prevent bogus callers tricking their way into homes," he added.
The WaterSure scheme allows metered customers who receive certain benefits or tax credits, and are either responsible for three or more children under 19-years-old, or have a medical condition which requires significant additional use of water, to pay no more than the average household bill for their region.