Support From Your Water Company
Explore the support available directly from your water company if you are struggling to pay your bills.
If you need further advice and guidance, you can find details of organisations that can help here.
Contact your Water Company
It’s important to contact your water company if you are finding it difficult to afford your bills. By explaining your situation, they can provide you with the best support.
You can find more information here:
Get help if you’re struggling to pay your bills - Citizens Advice
Water Meters
Installing a water meter could save you money, if you don’t already have one. This means you will only pay for the water used rather than the standard fixed rate, so is ideal for small households.
You can find more information here:
Changing to a water meter - Citizens Advice
Social Tariffs
Every water company has a social tariff scheme available to households on a low income. The level of support provided is dependent on personal circumstances, but you could receive a significant reduction in your annual bill.
You can find more information here:
LITE and Extra Lite – Anglian Water
Payment Plans
Your water company might be able to create a payment plan for you, if you are struggling to pay your bills. This means you can pay what you can afford, over an agreed period of time.
You can find more information here:
Hardship Funds
Your water company may have a special hardship fund to help with debt or other financial difficulties. Eligibility requirement vary, as we all as the amount of money you are likely to receive.
You can find more information here:
Water Direct
If you are in debt to your water company and claiming certain benefits, you may be able to take part in the Water Direct scheme. This would enable a set amount to be taken automatically from your benefit payments.
You can find more information here:
Extra Care Support- Anglian Water
Manage deductions from your benefits to pay debts and bills - GOV.UK
WaterSure
If you are receiving certain benefits, have a water meter and high essential water usage, you may be eligible to apply for the WaterSure scheme. This would cap your water bill, meaning you pay no more than the average metered bill for the area.
You can find more information here:
WaterSure scheme - Citizens Advice
Breathing Space
If you feel you would benefit from some time to get financial advice and decide on the best solution to your debt, you may be eligible for the Breathing Space scheme. This stops your water company adding additional interest, asking for payment or taking enforcement action.
You can find further information here:
BREATHING SPACE UK - Breathing Space Scheme