Around two million households are getting cheaper water bills through social tariff schemes – yet record numbers are still falling into debt.
The Consumer Council for Water’s (CCW) latest Water Mark report shows water companies cut bills for 1.96 million customers in 2024-25, a jump of 22%.
Those helped saw average savings of £190 a year.
But the good news stops there.
Another 199,000 households slipped into arrears, taking total water debt to 2.85 million. That figure was recorded before April’s 26% price hike, which pushed average bills up by £123.
CCW warns that without reform, more families could be dragged under.
It wants a single social tariff across England and Wales to replace the current patchwork of regional schemes.
Support varies wildly, with annual bill reductions ranging from £120 to £314 depending on the company.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of CCW, said: “Many customers understand bills need to rise to help fund more reliable services and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas but the safety net for people who cannot afford these increases is not strong enough.”
He urged government and regulators to “create a single social tariff to ensure financial support flows to those that need it most.”
The report also shows 260,800 metered homes received an average £325 discount through the WaterSure scheme, which caps bills for large families or households with medical needs.
Metering has reached almost 65% of homes, yet CCW says many more could still save money by switching.
The figures land as the water industry faces fierce criticism over sewage spills, pollution and executive pay.
