'Don't suffer in silence' say Citizen's Advice as water bills increase
The charity is warning it's seeing more people struggling with rising bills
After water bills rose by 28 per cent, Devon's Citizen's Advice is highlighting the support available for those struggling to pay it.
South West Water is also offering to help those finding it hard to pay the extra £166-pounds average increase.
Citizens Advice Devon Chair, Edwina Bradshaw, said: “With rising energy bills, higher rents and housing costs and the higher costs of food, clothes and travel, many people across Devon are already facing hardship. In the South West Water area, average annual bills will rise by £166-a-year* from April according to industry body, Water UK.
“We know that many of the people we see will be struggling to meet these unwelcome extra costs but there is help available and we encourage people to look to take advantage of these measures.
“If you owe your water company money, you should talk to them as soon as possible because while they won’t cut off your water supply they can still take you to court or take money from your benefits.”
Citizens Advice Devon’s top tips for saving on water bills:
● If you’re on a low income, check if you can get a reduced tariff under SWW’s WaterCare scheme. You can find more details and apply on the company’s website at https://tinyurl.com/2vcfveun
● You can also limit the amount you have to pay by setting a fixed amount each year under the WaterSure scheme. To apply you must have a water meter, get certain benefits such as Universal Credit and either live with three or more children under 19 years or have or live with someone who has a medical condition which means they use a lot of water, eg. for showers. You can find more information here: https://tinyurl.com/bdexkkj6
For information about paying your South West Water bill click here
● Help with reducing the amount of water you use. The Consumer Council for Water has a lot of good information, including tips on efficient use of dishwashers and washing machines, only boiling the water you need, checking for bathroom leaks and using rainwater for gardening.
For more information on how to save water click here
● Check if you should get a water meter. CCW have a water use calculator to work out if a meter will save you money https://tinyurl.com/39fzcyhy
If you want a meter installed, contact SWW at If they can’t fit a meter they have to offer you another rate for your water bills instead, known as an ‘assessed charge’ based on your domestic circumstances, which you can compare to your current bills.
● SWW can also help you clear water debt with a payment matching scheme (ReStart), where you make an agreed payment each week and they write-off a percentage of the money you owe until it’s cleared.
● If you’re on benefits, you may be able to have your debts paid directly out of your benefits payments under a scheme called WaterDirect, run by the Department for Work and Pensions. Contact SWW for further information.
● SWW can also make sure you’re on the lowest possible tariff for your circumstances and carry out home visits to suggest ways of reducing water and energy use. Contact them on 0344-346-1010.
SWW can also offer a variety of payment plans to help spread the costs of bills, for example, by paying weekly, fortnightly or monthly by Direct Debit, standing order or over the counter at banks. The company also runs FreshStart for people dealing with a life-changing event, such as a bereavement or unemployment, by either clearing debts or providing short term help with bills.
If you’re struggling financially and at risk of debt, or already in debt, seek help from the local Citizens Advice Debt Team. You can find contact information at www.citizensadvice.org.uk