Water meters should be compulsory, says industry body

Water UK has called for water meters to be made compulsory.

According to the industry body, 40% of people in England don’t currently have a water meter.

This, it stated, is because the system was built on the belief that “there will always be sufficient water for people to use however they liked”.

But Water UK said factors such as climate change and an increasing population mean “that assumption is no longer true”.

As a result, it believes the way that people’s water bills are calculated needs to change.

“We think it is much fairer that people pay for the water they use based on how much they use,” said chief executive David Henderson.

This would mean households with swimming pools or big gardens could end up paying more for their water.

However, Mr Henderson said that if meters do become compulsory, there would have to be “full protection” for those who genuinely need to use an above-average amount of water.

What can you do if you can’t pay your water bill?

If you’re struggling with water bills, then speak with your water supplier straight away.

All water companies have measures in place for people who are finding it hard to keep up with their bills.

WaterSure

WaterSure helps people with high water usage by capping their bills at the average for their area.

It’s aimed at households with three or more children under 19, or those who use higher than average amounts of water because of certain medical conditions.

To qualify, you’ll need to have a water meter and receive certain benefits, including:

• universal credit
• housing benefit
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• income support
• income-related employment and support allowance
• pension credit
• child tax credit (at a higher rate than the family element)
• working tax credit

Social tariffs

Many water companies offer discounted rates for customers on low incomes or to those receiving certain benefits. 

But eligibility criteria and discounts vary from provider to provider. 

Repayment plans

Water companies can arrange repayment plans to spread the cost of your bill over a more manageable period.

Contact your provider directly to discuss how they can help.

Payment breaks and holidays

Some water companies offer payment breaks or holidays if you're going through temporary financial difficulty, perhaps after a job loss or illness. 

These let you pause or reduce your payments for a short period while you get back on your feet.

Speak to your provider as soon as possible to see if you're eligible and to agree on a plan to resume payments when the break ends.

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that gives extra support to vulnerable people, such as those who are elderly or disabled.

Although it doesn't directly reduce bills, it does make sure you get tailored help.

Read our guide on what measures are in place for people who are struggling with their bills to find out more.