Defra consults on extending access to WaterSure

Defra is consulting until 1 September on proposed changes to the WaterSure national affordability scheme.

This currently caps bills for low-income households on means-tested benefits who need to use high levels of water — because they have either a qualifying medical condition or three or more children in the household — at the amount of the average household water and sewerage bill in the water company’s area.

The proposed changes include: 

• Extending the list of qualifying benefits to include non-means tested disability benefits for those claiming through a qualifying medical condition. 

• Updating the WaterSure bill cap to the amount of the average metered or unmetered bill (whichever is lower). 

• Capping bills for single occupiers at the average bill for a single occupier. 

• Removing the option for water companies to require a medical practitioner’s note for health conditions not specifically listed in the WaterSure regulations. 

• Specifically listing more potentially qualifying medical conditions.