You Could Save Money on Your Water Bill Through WaterSure |
 The number of consumers successfully applying for financial help with water bills under the WaterSure scheme rose by nearly 50% last year, figures published by Ofwat reveal. In England and Wales the number of consumers successfully applying for assistance has risen from 16,212 in 2006/07 to 24,121 in 2007/08. Through the WaterSure scheme, households on meters who receive certain means tested benefits or tax credits, and are either responsible for three or more children under the age of 19, or have a medical condition which requires significant additional use of water, can apply to pay no more than the average household bill for their region. Lee Thorne, from Wisbech, has been on the WaterSure tariff since 2001. He has saved a total of £717 so far, after seeing details of the scheme in the leaflet accompanying his Anglian Water bill. On income support and diagnosed with a medical condition, Lee qualified for the capped tariff. This means that he pays no more than the average household bill in his region, even if he uses a high volume of water. Mr Thorne said: "I would advise anyone who thinks they may be eligible to join the WaterSure scheme to contact their water company. It's really helped me, and when you're on a low income every penny you can save counts." Sue Cox, Ofwat's Head of Service and Performance, said: "This increase in successful applications for WaterSure over the last year is good news, but there are still many people out there who could benefit from this scheme. Ofwat requires water companies to promote these services and would encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify to contact their water company to find out more." |