The House of Commons Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) has published data received from 11 major water and sewage companies in England and Wales, showing their use of bailiffs against customers who are in debt as part of its inquiry into reforming the water sector.

Around 2 million struggling households are receiving lower water bills through water companies’ social tariff schemes to combat rising prices, according to new figures released today by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is warning that fewer households believe the amount water companies charge is fair, with customers’ overall trust in the sector also hitting a new low, according to its annual Water Matters survey released today.

Yorkshire Water is trialling a new partnership to improve the support it offers to people in Yorkshire who may be struggling financially.

As the cost of living crisis continues, new research shows that payment plans are the most popular form of financial support for water customers.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has warned a House of Lords Select Committee that a change in direction by Environment Minister Therese Coffey could result in customers facing the “double whammy of unaffordable bills and an environment starved of vital investment.”

People who are facing increasing cost of living pressures can access a £30 million support fund being launched today by Severn Trent and seek up to a 90% reduction on their water bill.

Average household water and sewerage bills in England and Wales are set to fall by around £2 (0.6%) in 2021/22. The average annual bill is forecast to come down from £410 to £408, although there will be variations from company to company.

Affinity Water is continuing its work with National Debtline to help customers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with tailored payment breaks. 

Yorkshire Water is planning to review all its customer accounts to ensure they are on the cheapest tariff.