We’re saving £168 a year on our water bill through little-known method after falling £1,000s into debt
A COUPLE have revealed how they shaved £168 a year off their water bills through a little-known method.
Morgan Davies and Ellie Bryan, from Liverpool, realised they could get a discount after signing up for a social tariff.
The tariffs are available to those on a low income and offer you a discounted rate.
Morgan, 25, and Ellie, 31, landed themselves in £4,000 worth of debt after a no-fault eviction and the costs of moving home saw them fall behind on their bills.
But after speaking to credit counselling service Money Wellness and receiving a letter from their water company United Utilities, they realised they were eligible for a social tariff at their new property.
After signing up, their bill has fallen from around £39 a month to about £25 a month – £168 less across a year.
“I’d say don’t be embarrassed about admitting you’re behind on some payments. You just need to ask for help,” Ellie told the BBC.
“If you’re struggling with debts, call the company because nine out of 10 times they have a solution for you.
“There is help out there if you look.”
The latest figures from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) reveal 1.3million low income household are signed up to social tariffs.
It said these households saved on average £151 on their water bills last year.
However, hundreds of thousands of customers who are in need of help either don’t qualify for social tariffs due to variations in eligibility criteria or they do qualify, but aren’t aware.
It comes as The Sun exclusively revealed that the biggest water suppliers in England and Wales say they want to hike prices to cover the cost of repairing leaky pipes and cutting sewage spills.
In July, the regulator Ofwat said bills could go up by an average of £94 in the period up to 2030 — a 21% hike, typically working out at an extra £19 a year.
But a host of companies last month submitted new plans saying they needed more cash to cover urgent investment to the water network.
Troubled Thames Water said it needs to raise bills by 59% to survive, but Ofwat wants a limit of 23%.
Southern Water had already asked to lift bills by 72% from £420.35 a year to £627 a year.
What are social tariffs?
Social tariffs are available to those on a low income and are lower than the standard rate.
Who is eligible and the level of support you can get varies depending on your water company so it can be a bit of a postcode lottery.
For example, Affinity Water’s social tariff is available to households with a combined income of less than £18,725, excluding benefits, or in receipt of a number of benefits including Universal Credit.
If you are eligible, your yearly water bills are capped at £119.50.
Those who get council tax support can also get their water bills fixed at £79.70.
Meanwhile, South East Water has a social tariff for households with a combined income of less or £18,725 or less per year, excluding income earned from a number of benefits including Disability Living Allowance, PIP or Attendance Allowance.
If you qualify for help, your annual water bill is capped at up to £182.82.
Yorkshire Water helps customers on low incomes cover water charges, with annual bills capped at £364 if you qualify.
You may qualify if your household income is below £19,000 and your annual water bill is more than £364.
Other help you can get
If you don’t qualify for a social tariff, you may qualify for the WaterSure scheme if you live in England or Wales.
The scheme is open to anyone who is on a water meter, certain benefits and has a high essential use of water.
The list of benefits that qualify you include: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
You will be classed as having a high essential use of water if someone in your household has a medical condition that requires the use of lots of water, or you have three children or more under 19 and in full-time education living there.
You apply for the WaterSure scheme through your water firm’s website or by calling its customer service team.
How to cut your bills
IF you're struggling financially, you might be able to cut the cost of your bills to help you get out of the red.
Council tax: You can apply for a council tax reduction on the Gov.uk website but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Your bill could be cut by as much as 100 per cent if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Carers who look after someone in the household for at least 35 hours a week are also exempt from paying.
Water: Households might be able to save money by getting a water meter but it all depends on how much you’re using. To check if it’s finacially worthwhile, use the Consumer Council for Water’s free ater meter calculator.
Rent: If you have the space available and your landlord or local authority says it’s ok to do so, you might want to consider getting a flatmate. Not only will you split the cost of the rent, but also the other bills.
Hire purchase: If you’re struggling to make your repayments on your hire purchase, you can usually end the contract by returning the goods. You will have to pay all the instalments due up to the time you end the agreement but this will limit the amount you owe. Contact Citizens Advice for free for more help with this.
Gas and electricty: MoneySavingExpert says families can save £330 on average by switching from Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs) to a better rate. Use a comparison site such as MoneySuperMarket or Energyhelpline to see what deals are available.
Mortgage: If you get into debt with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for your lender to chase you. Work out what you can afford using the Citizens Advice budgeting tool so you can discuss your payment options moving forward with your mortgage provider.
Secured Loan: Your secured loan might be covered by the Consumer Credit Act and if it is, you may be able to apply for a Time Order. This is a special agreement by the courts allowing you more time to make payments. Secured loans not covered by the Consumer Credit Act include gas, electricity or water meters, payments that need to be written off in full, mortgages, credit union loans, loans from an employer and some short term trade agreements.
County Court Judgements: If you receive a County Court claim form talk to a free debt advice service straight away. This includes Citizens Advice (0808 800 9060), StepChange (0800 138 1111) and the National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
TV licence: Some households are eligible for a reduced fee or free TV Licence. Check here to see if you are entitled to a reduced or free rate.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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