By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A watchdog has warned that a commitment by water companies in England to end water poverty by 2030 appears to have evaporated, as a 34% rise in average bills since April 2025 has outpaced growing support schemes.
Social tariff support grows but fails to keep pace
Water companies across England and Wales helped around 2.3 million customers through social tariffs over the past year, a 19% increase. The average annual bill reduction for those receiving help rose to £258 from £190 the previous year. However, the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) said this growth "while welcome is not targeted or consistent enough to ensure everyone who needs help receives it".
Millions in water poverty before record rises
A CCW study published in the summer estimated that 1.8 million households in England and Wales were already living in water poverty before the latest bill increases took effect. Water poverty is defined as households spending more than 5% of their income after housing costs on water bills.
Call for single national social tariff
CCW has called for a new single social tariff for England and Wales to provide a stronger safety net, warning that the existing "postcode lottery" means support levels and eligibility vary considerably. The latest data shows average bill reductions under current schemes range from £159 to £474 a year. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee has also urged a standardised social tariff as a minimum level of support for low-income households.
WaterSure scheme aids metered customers
More than 273,400 metered customers receiving income-related benefits secured an average bill reduction of £428 through the WaterSure bill-capping scheme. Eligibility requires either a large family or a household member with a medical condition that necessitates high water use.
