Today we have written to Emma Reynolds MP, recently appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, along with Independent Age and over 20 organisations calling for the Secretary to prioritise consulting on the introduction of a national social tariff for water bills.
Whilst there are water social tariffs provided by individual companies currently offering vital support, there is a postcode lottery that means people on low incomes pay vastly different amounts for their water bills.
A national water social tariff would provide fair, consistent support for people facing financial hardship, ensuring more households can afford the water they need without being forced into cutbacks.
Our Head of Policy, Maria Booker, said:
“Everyone deserves access to an essential good like water. Fair By Design wants people on low incomes to have easy access to discounts on essential services. Right now, people on low incomes face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bill. The Government must act by introducing a single, national social tariff that is fair, simple, and accessible to everyone, wherever they live.”
