How to cut the cost of your water bill after eye-watering price hike proposal
Severn Trent water bills are expected rise by 46 per cent in the next six years – but there are ways to make it more affordable
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The water company was one of many that requested to hike consumer bills by even more than they originally requested, according to figures released by watchdog Ofwat last week.
The requests could see the average consumer bill in England and Wales rise by 40 per cent between now and 2030, costing £615 per year. Severn Trent proposed a hike of 46% to £580 which is above the national average, but lower than the 80% hike proposed by Southern Water.
But if you do believe you will struggle with bigger bills, there are ways to reduce the cost. Severn Trent have shared information about their five affordability schemes that could help their customers save on the cost of their bills following yesterdays Budget report from the Labour government.
These include:
The Big Difference Scheme: This plan can offer a reduction of water bills to eligible customers who are struggling to pay and who have a household income below £22,010. If your application is successful, the 12 month scheme will design a tailored payment plan.
WaterSure: A scheme where eligible customers could see their bills capped if they have low income, a medical condition or large family.
Get Water Fit: Use Severn Trent's calculator to see what water you are using and where you could make savings and help the environment.
Single Occupier: If customers live alone and can’t have a meter fitted, they could benefit from a lower tariff if they qualify.
Customer Assistance Scheme: Severn Trent is also working in partnership with independent charity Auriga to support people with their financial needs, including debt advice.
The company currently helps more than 300,000 households with their bills through a range of affordability schemes.
From 2025 it is set to more than double the amount of households who might be eligible to receive financial help with a new £575m package of support - meaning around one in seven customers across the Midlands could receive help with their bills between 2025 and 2030.
Jude Burditt, Customer Director at Severn Trent said: “Keeping bills low and affordable is always a priority but we know that some people need help, and we want them to know it’s always there.
“It’s why we were able to previously announced a huge investment in offering more financial support than ever, nearly doubling the number of people we can help.“It’s not one size fits all when it comes to our customers, so we have a range of schemes and help available, so they can get access to the help they need, when they need it.”
Severn Trent’s bills are currently the second lowest in England, some £29 below average.
Ofwat is due to make a final decision on bills increases on December 19, with companies going to the negotiating table with regulators before then.
The regulator wrote: "We will consider this additional expenditure request as part of our final determinations"
The latest string of demands come amid public and political outcry over sewage spills in the privatised water industry, while companies' investors receive dividends and top executives get bonuses.
A recent performance report by Ofwat showed there has only been a two per cent reduction in pollution since 2019 despite firms committing to cutting it by 30 per cent. Labour has suggested sweeping new laws which could see bosses face up to two years in jail if they obstruct regulators - but so far nothing has come into force.
