More than 5,000 apply for NHS water rebate

More than 5,000 frontline NHS staff have applied for water rebates from Bristol and Wessex since a dedicated scheme was launched last week.

The offer from the two companies is designed to compensate frontline staff who are having to wash their uniforms more than usual.

Charley Maher, executive director of retail and commercial, who runs Wessex and Bristol’s billing services company, said: “We don’t think it’s fair for these workers to pay more for their water given that they are at the very front line of the fight against coronavirus , which is why we’re offering the rebate.”

Those eligible for the rebate can claim up to £50 off their bill to ensure they do not pay more than they normally would on a metered bill.

This is just one of a number of ways the sector has responded to the crisis.

Affinity Water has extended its assistance to customers struggling with their finances because of the coronavirus outbreak by working with National Debtline

The scheme offers advice for householders through an Affinity page on the National Debtline website. Head of billing and debt management at Affinity, James Tipler, said the financial support website was designed following the uptake of financial schemes such as payment breaks by 1,500 billpayers.

He said: “Our new money advice page on the National Debtline website will enable us to reach out further. Government financial assistance will take time to flow into household incomes, with the self-employed, those working in the gig- economy and on zero-hour contracts most impacted.

The packages on offer include a range of payment options and budgeting schemes, alternative tariffs, and the priority services register as well as pages dedicated to debt assistance.

Meanwhile, Scottish Water has been able to continue inspections for customers reporting tap water issues despite the lockdown. The company’s Field Response teams are using WhatsApp video calls to resolve issues such as loss of normal water supply or low water pressure.

In the few weeks since its introduction, 15 per cent of jobs have been resolved via WhatsApp.

The company pointed out that as well as benefitting customers, the scheme also allowed staff who are self-isolating to continue with their roles.