Minister for Water and Flooding (): I am announcing proposed
reforms to the affordability support scheme WaterSure - the first
significant update to the scheme since 1999. This Government is
committed to a fair, affordable, and accessible water system and
we are acting to protect vulnerable families from rising bills.
WaterSure provides vital support for households with essential
high-water usage, whether due to a medical condition or because
three or more children live at home. More than 260,000 households
currently save an average of £325 a year through the scheme.
We are introducing four key reforms to strengthen WaterSure which
we intend to bring forward through a statutory instrument. These
reforms will extend support, and remove unnecessary barriers:
First, we are widening eligibility to households receiving
non-means tested disability benefit (Personal Independence
Payment, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance)
where a medical condition leads to high essential water use and
household income is below an income threshold of £25,745 (the
income profile of a representative Universal Credit household
with a disability). Over 50,000 additional households could
benefit.
Second, we will ensure every WaterSure customer receives the
strongest level of protection available by requiring water
companies to apply the best discount possible for recipients,
whichever is lower between the company's average metered bill, or
overall average bill. Around 130,000 households are expected to
save more as a result.
Third, we are introducing a new single‑occupier bill cap to
correct a historic unfairness where single disabled households
with high essential water use could not benefit from the existing
average-household bill cap, despite similar medical needs. Over
50,000 individuals living alone with a disability are expected to
save a further £100 per year.
Finally, we are removing the option for companies to require a
medical practitioner's certificate for conditions not
individually listed in regulations. All companies already accept
broader evidence, such as appointment letters or prescriptions.
This change ensures that applicants are not deterred by
unnecessary costs.
This Government is rebuilding a water system that is fairer, more
transparent and more responsive to the needs of vulnerable
customers. These reforms to WaterSure are an important step in
delivering our mission to put consumers first and restore trust
in our essential services.
