31/01/12
Water companies are conscious that some customers find their water and sewerage bills, along with other essential outgoings, difficult to afford, and for some time have wanted to do more to help. The government consultation on guidance for social tariffs marks another step on a long journey.
While some stakeholders may still wish for greater government (taxpayer) funding for water affordability, or for greater direction from government on who should be eligible for assistance, the government has made its policy position clear.
No one expects further taxpayer funding for affordability, and in Water for Life, the government confirmed its view that water companies will be best placed to design social tariffs, targeting local needs more effectively than any national one-size-fits-all approach.
We encourage all stakeholders, and in particular Ofwat and CCWater, to take a pragmatic approach to considering company proposals for social tariffs, recognising the clear wish of the government for the early introduction of social tariff schemes.
Water UK response to Defra consultation on draft guidance on social tariffs
Water for Life
Water White Paper
