By Basant El-Faramawy
Commitment to end water poverty by 2030 appears to have “evaporated” as soaring bills outpace rising support from water companies, the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has warned.
Support increases but bills rise faster
Water companies across England and Wales helped around 2.3 million customers through social tariff schemes in the past year, a 19% increase. The average annual bill reduction for those receiving help rose to £258 from £190. However, the average water and sewerage bill has risen by about 34% since April 2025.
Millions in water poverty
A CCW study estimated 1.8 million households in England and Wales were already in water poverty before the latest bill increases. Water poverty is defined as spending more than 5% of income after housing costs on water bills.
Call for single national tariff
The watchdog said the current “postcode lottery” of varying company schemes means support levels and eligibility differ widely. It urged a single social tariff for England and Wales to provide a stronger safety net. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee also recommended a standardized social tariff.
Industry and government response
CCW chief executive Mike Keil said rising bills have made the 2030 target look like it has evaporated, calling the postcode lottery unfair and unsustainable. More than 273,400 metered customers on income-related benefits received an average £428 reduction through the WaterSure scheme. A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman said the government would protect households, expand WaterSure, and bring forward a strengthened Water Bill.
