Government announces water bill support reform

The Government has announced that hundreds of thousands of households will benefit from lower water bills after the Government announced a major reform of WaterSure.  

Low-income households that use high amounts of water can qualify to have their bills capped. They must have a water meter and either a specific medical condition or three or more children living at home.  

More than a quarter of a million households (260,000) are already benefiting from the scheme, saving an average of £325 each – over a third of their typical bill. 

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) has welcomed the biggest overhaul of WaterSure in over three decades as the UK Government revealed it will implement the majority of the recommendations put forward by our consumer body last year.

The changes will also alter how the price cap is determined, with most existing recipients seeing further savings of up to £100.

CCW has played a leading role in shaping the reforms, having carried out a review of WaterSure and submitted recommendations to the government early in 2025.

Reacting to the announcement, Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said “We’re delighted the UK Government is taking forward the majority of the changes CCW recommended as part of our review of the WaterSure scheme.

“These improvements will bring peace of mind to tens of thousands more customers whose circumstances mean they have no choice but to use a significant amount of water for essential needs.

“Many households are grappling with rising water bills, and these reforms will help relieve some of that pressure through extending support to more of the most vulnerable customers and also increasing the value of that financial assistance, in many cases.”

Responding to the announcement on WaterSure reform, Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said “The expansion of the WaterSure scheme is an important step in providing vital help to households struggling with rising water bills.

“Last year we helped over 100,000 people with water issues, and see everyday how households are struggling to keep up with costs. We know these pressures aren’t shared equally. People living alone often spend a higher share of their income on water, so it’s good to see the lowering of the bill cap for single-person households which is a fairer way to direct support.

“This announcement must mark the beginning – not the end – of action to make water bills more affordable. With bills rocketing again in April, the underlying issue of water affordability will intensify. We need to see clear plans for ensuring bill support reaches everyone who needs it.”