Could you be paying less for your water bill?
Many people in North Herts don’t realise they could get help with their water bills. If you’re on a low income, claiming benefits, or managing a tight budget, your water company may be able to reduce what you pay.
In our area, Affinity Water supplies clean water and sends the main bills, while Anglian Water looks after drainage and sewerage. Both companies offer schemes to lower costs.
Affinity Water’s LIFT scheme (Low Income Fixed Tariff) caps bills for those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. If your total household income (excluding benefits) is under £19,995, or if you get means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, your clean water bill could be capped at £143.80 a year. If you also receive council tax support, this could drop to just £95.80. To apply, enter your postcode and upload evidence on Affinity’s website or call 0345 357 2401.
If you have a water meter, you might save even more. The Water Sure scheme caps metered charges for those on specific benefits with either three or more children under 19 or a medical need for extra water. If your actual usage is lower, you’ll pay the smaller bill. Households using under 75 cubic metres of water annually may also qualify for the SoLow discount. If you can’t have a meter installed, Affinity may apply an assessed charge based on typical use for your household size, which could still be cheaper than your current bill.
You can check how much you would save on a water meter using this tool.
Anglian Water’s LITE scheme automatically gives anyone on Affinity’s LIFT tariff a 50% discount on the sewerage part of their bill. If you’re on means-tested benefits but not on LIFT, you can still call Anglian on 0800 975 5574 and ask about their Aqua Care Plus scheme, which may reduce costs.
If you’ve fallen behind on payments, contact Affinity straight away to discuss a payment plan. They might also help you set up Water Direct, where payments come directly from your benefits. Remember, water companies can’t disconnect your home, but they can go to court over unpaid bills.
If you are a Settle tenant and water charges are included in your tenancy agreement, it is likely that you could save money by having an account with Affinity Water directly. You do not need Settle’s permission but this page explains the process.
Finally, if you have a disability or long-term health issue, ask to join the Priority Services Register for extra support in emergencies.
Don’t miss out on help that could cut your water bills significantly. Citizens Advice North Herts can help you explore your options. You can also use the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) website https://www.ccw.org.uk/ or contact your water supplier directly to see what support you may be entitled to. Don’t miss out – get in touch today to see if you can reduce your water costs.
