Water bills are set to rise across England and Wales from April 2025, with Southern Water customers expected to see a 47% increase in their annual bill, up to £703 a year.
Social tariffs however are available for low-income households from most water companies. For example, Southern Water Essentials Tariff offers a discount of between 45% and 90% to low-income households. You’ll qualify for the Essentials Tariff from Southern Water if:
- your household income is less than £21,000 (excluding Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments) and you have savings of less than £16,000
- someone in your household receives pension credits.
Portsmouth Water also offers something similar with their Helping Hands tariff, where eligible customers will have their water bill capped at the minimum charge for the year – currently £91.12.
To benefit from these tariffs you’ll need to apply to your water company directly. More details can be found on the Citizens Advice website and CCW – the voice for water consumers.