Warm Home Discount
Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment to help with the cost of energy during the winter.
Unlike gas and electricity companies, you can't choose who supplies your water – so you can't switch to another water supplier. But there are still ways that you may be able to reduce your water bills and save money.
A property's rateable value is based on how much the property could be let for. Before April 1990, every property in England and Wales was given a rateable value.
If your property has changed a lot since its rateable value was set then you may be able to get a water meter fitted instead. A good general rule is that you could pay less on your water bills if there are fewer people in your property than there are bedrooms.
There are some simple things you can do to reduce your water usage and therefore the cost of your water bills, for example:
Dripping or leaking taps can waste the equivalent of half a bath of water per week and it'll cost you extra if you use a water meter, so it's a good idea to get these fixed.
If you can, shower instead of taking a bath – a short shower uses around 1/3 of the amount of water needed for a bath. However, if it's easier for you to take baths, you might want to consider not filling the tub all the way because the average full bath uses 80 litres of water.
Turning off the tap while you're brushing your teeth or shaving saves water. You could also fill up a bowl and use this to do the dishes and wash food, rather than rinsing every plate and cup under running water. When looking after your garden, use a watering can instead of a hosepipe when looking after your garden.
You can get devices that minimise the water used in flushing your toilet. These can save up to 3 litres of water with every flush. Ask your water company if it supplies them free of charge.
It might come as a surprise, but a full-load programme uses less water than 2 half-load programmes.
The CCW have brought together tips to help you cut down on what you pay for your water and sewerage.
Water companies offer a variety of discount schemes for certain customers.
Most water companies have a social tariff scheme for customers on low incomes or for those who are receiving certain benefits.
If you have a water meter and you claim certain benefits (such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit), you may be eligible for the WaterSure scheme.
If you're on the WaterSure scheme, your bill is capped at a lower amount, regardless of how much water you use.
Find out more about the WaterSure scheme on the Citizen's Advice website
The CCW has more information about the support that's available to help you pay your water bills – whether you'd like to access a debt support scheme or you'd like to switch to a fixed single occupier tariff because you live alone.
Find out more about getting help with your water bill on the CCW website
If you're on the Priority Services Register, then you're entitled to free services and support, including water deliveries in an emergency, large print bills and advance telephone notice of an interruption to your water supply.
This is provided by utility suppliers to help more vulnerable customers, for example if you're over State Pension age or living with a disability.
Contact your water supplier to get added to their register.
Water meters are devices that measure the exact amount of water you use in your home. Water suppliers use this measurement to calculate water bills so you're only charged for the amount of water you actually use.
A water meter could save you money if:
You can ask your water company to fit a water meter for free. The water company can refuse if it thinks that installing one isn’t practical or is too expensive. If you’re a tenant, you may need permission from your landlord first.
Find out if you could reduce your water bills by switching to a water meter on the CCW website.
Unlike gas and electricity companies, only your regional water company can supply your water. This means you can't switch suppliers.
Your water is supplied by regional suppliers, which means you don't have a choice in who supplies your water and so you can't switch supplier if you're unhappy with the service provided by your water company.
However, if you are unhappy, you can make a complaint. You should first approach your regional water company and follow their complaints process. Explain the problem you're having and try to resolve things informally.
If you're not happy with the result, you can then make a formal complaint – in writing, by phone or some other contact method. Be clear that you're making a complaint. They have 10 working days to reply to you. Then, if you're still unhappy with their decision, they then have another 10 working days to resolve your complaint.
If this doesn't work, you can escalate your complaint to the CCW. They offer independent advice and help to cusomters who haven't been able to resolve a complaint with their water company.
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment to help with the cost of energy during the winter.
Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs during the colder months. Find out more.
Cold Weather Payment is £25 for each 7 day period of cold weather. Find out if you're eligible to claim.
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