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Around two million people may be missing out on help with their water bills, despite a rise in uptake, the water watchdog has said.
CCW reported that low awareness of social tariffs and reductions available to householders’ through their water company meant millions were missing out.
The number of low-income households receiving financial support through social tariffs has risen 19% to 1.3 million and 220,000 homes also get help through WaterSure.
There was a 9% rise in the number of homes having their bills capped through WaterShare, a scheme available through all companies for customers in receipt of certain income-related benefits who have a water meter.
Customers saved an average of £151 in 2022-23 through social tariffs, while bills capped through WaterSure saved people an average of £307.
CCW is urging billpayers to take up available help from their water company.
“Rises in energy costs this winter and water bills from April will heap considerable pressure on millions of struggling households so it’s vital low-income customers act now to get all the help they’re entitled to,” said social policy leader at CCW, Andy White.
He added that water companies should continue working to reach people experiencing hardship, but encouraged anyone worried about bills to talk to their company about what help is available.
Social tariffs vary between companies with levels of support and eligibility dependent upon the number of people in the region claiming help. In some areas, reductions of up to 90% of bills are available.
CCW called for an end to the postcode lottery with the implementation of a single social tariff to standardise bill reductions nationally.
This was scrapped by former environment secretary Therese Coffey, whose department is yet to offer clear guidance on what an alternative should look like.
Bills are set to rise in April, for the final year of the current regulatory period.
From 2025 charges are anticipated to go up by an average of 40%, based on business plan proposals submitted to Ofwat in October.
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