THOUSANDS of struggling households could see their water bills HALVED under a new support scheme.
Anglian Water has launched a £65million package of help and said some customers could be missing out on financial support worth up to £3,000 a year.
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It’s offering a range of services to support struggling customers – some will be eligible for discounted tariffs that could slash their bills by up to 50%.
Others can get affordable payment plans, payment holidays in certain circumstances, and direct support through the Anglian Water Assistance Fund.
It comes as part of a longer-term package, through which Anglian Water will dish out £232 million to help customers most in need by 2025.
It comes as millions of households have seen their water bills increase by up to £36.
The fund helps to cover the cost of bills and could even clear your water debt if you’re in arrears.
Anglian Water is also helping customers work out if they could be eligible for government benefits.
The firm said it had helped some customers claim up to £3,000 in extra benefits.
Recent data shows that millions of people are missing out on £13billion in unclaimed benefits such as Universal Credit and council tax support.
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The water firm said its assessments had helped some customers get up to £3,000 in extra benefits.
Pete Holland, Anglian Water’s director of customer and wholesale services, said: “We know this year is going to be incredibly challenging for a large number of our customers.
“We’re incredibly proud of the support provided over the last year but it is clear that the next 12 months are going be tougher, and we all need to take action.”
Am I eligible?
If you are struggling with your water bill, the first thing to do is get in contact with your provider.
Anglian Water’s ExtraCare service can help customers come up with plans to help them manage their bills including discounted tariffs, affordable payment plans or “breathing space”, which gives you a short payment break to get on top of your finances.
Wendy, 79, from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, discovered she was entitled to housing benefit worth £200 a month after contacting Anglian Water.
Wendy said: “I have kept myself afloat over the last couple of years, but the huge uplift in the cost of living has put me under considerable strain – both mentally and financially.
“An annual increase of £60 a year in my water bills caused me serious concern.
“It might not be a lot to most people, but when you haven’t been able to afford a new pair of shoes in over two years, it is.”
Wendy is not alone in finding she is entitled to extra help. Today, Martin Lewis has urged 1 million to check whether they could be due pension credit worth up to £3,300 a year.
What other help can I get with my water bills?
Anglian Water is not the only water company that offers customers help with water bills.
Some water companies offer matching schemes that can help you write off some of your debt and clear it quicker.
These schemes can match every £1 you pay off your arrears if you stick to a payment plan, or could even wipe out your debt entirely.
Thames Water, South West Water, Severn Trent and United Utilities are just some of the providers offering the help.
United Utilities will match customer £1 for every £1 they pay off their water debt, and increase that to £2 if you continue making payments.
Severn Trent Water launched The Big Difference Scheme last month, which offers a reduction of water bills to customers with a household income below £16,480.
Even if you’re not eligible for financial support there are some tricks that can help you slash your water bills.
Martin Lewis has urged households to check whether they would be better off with a water meter.
Turning the tap off while you wash up could save you £25 a year, and cutting the length of your shower could cut your costs too.
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