Almost 380,000 more households received lower water bills through water companies’ social tariff schemes in 2025-26 according to annual figures from the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).
However, they warn that the growth in support is not consistent or targeted enough to be able to help those who need it – especially whilst more than 1.8 million households are living in water poverty.
CCW argue that this won’t change without action – namely, a new single social tariff as a safety net, rather than a ‘postcode lottery’ of different schemes.
The current system means that support available is heavily varied by region, whereas a new singular scheme may standardise the help available.
Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Support from water companies is rising but so are water bills and the commitment water companies in England made to end water poverty by 2030 now looks like it has evaporated.
“It is unfair and unsustainable to have a postcode lottery approach to helping customers who cannot afford their water bill. A national single social tariff for water would provide peace of mind to households at the sharp end of cost-of-living pressures.”
Meanwhile, the CCW is asking people in water poverty to consider a water meter and taking onboard tips to reduce water usage.
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