Water company Covid support initiatives continue

As part of ongoing help supporting customers and communities with Covid-19 impacts, United Utilities and Anglian Water have announced recent moves.

United Utilities announced it has broadened the eligibility criteria for its “Back on Track” support scheme to any household hit by coronavirus impacts (such as individuals being furloughed or made redundant) and with an income of less than £21,000 a year. Previously customers had to be on certain benefits or tax credits and in arrears with their water bill to be eligible for debt assistance.

Anglian Water made the second half of the £1m Positive Different Fund it set up last year to support community needs arising from the pandemic available. Organisations like food banks and outreach programmes can ask for continuing support from the Fund via Community Foundations, for rebuild/adaption initiatives as well as emergency support. The first £500,000 was distributed last summer, and helped over 88,000 people via 124 community organisations.