Wessex Water expects 3,000 customers to benefit from its WaterSure Plus
scheme, which is an extension of the current WaterSure programme that
water companies have to comply with. The company said WaterSure, which
provides financial assistance to customers on a water meter who use
large amounts of water, does not go far enough.
At present, Wessex Water customers who qualify for WaterSure pay
have their bills capped at £455, but under WaterSure Plus this will be
reduced to £410 a year.
The water supplier is also extending the criteria for those eligible
for its social tariff, Assist. Assist is for customers in extreme
financial difficulty and those who qualify pay a lower bill based on
their financial circumstances and ability to pay. Around 8,000 customers
currently benefit from the scheme and Wessex Water estimate that the
new criteria will help an additional 7,000 customers. Customers on the
scheme will also be sent a pack with devices, such as a timer, that can
be used in the home to save water.
The two schemes form part of Wessex Water’s new affordability plan called ‘tap’ which will be launched later this year.
Andy Pymer, director of customer and retail services at Wessex
Water, said: “Over the years we have developed a number of schemes to
help those customers who are genuinely struggling to pay their water
bill. Through tap, our new assistance programme, and our continued
partnership with debt advice agencies, we can support even more
customers in financial difficulty and continue to lead on social
responsibility.”