Scheme to cut water bills for low income homes

"People living in 17 boroughs in the capital who need financial support will be automatically enrolled on the water company's social tariff scheme without having to go through the application process. Under data-sharing agreements, Thames Water said it was working with councils and the Policy in Practice social data platform to identify customers whose water bills exceed 5% of their net income. Eligible households will be signed up to the WaterHelp scheme, which cuts bills by 50%."

"Thames Water said the initiative would save around 33,000 struggling households more than 300 a year, or more than 10m a year in total. The water company said it was also identifying other customers who should be on its WaterSure social tariff, or who are eligible for the extra support scheme assistance of up to 700. Nina White, director of income at Thames Water, said: "Our purpose is to deliver life's essential service and we are determined to support those customers who are struggling to pay their bills.""

"Thames Water said the pilot in Wandsworth and Richmond saw more than 1,800 households receive a total of 650,000 in financial support. Simon Hogg, the Labour leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "It's important that residents receive the help they are entitled to. "Over 1,000 households in Wandsworth will now automatically see cheaper water bills, offering a crucial lifeline to those facing economic hardship and struggling with rising bills.""

Thames Water will automatically enroll eligible low-income households in 17 London boroughs onto its social tariff to cut bills without an application. The company is using data-sharing agreements with councils and the Policy in Practice social data platform to identify customers whose water costs exceed 5% of net income. Identified households will be signed up to the WaterHelp scheme, which halves bills, and the company will also identify customers for the WaterSure tariff or up to 700 of extra support. The initiative is expected to save around 33,000 households about 300 each, over 10m total, following a pilot that supported over 1,800 households.

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