'There's nothing you can do' says young mum hit with massive water bill hike

Nearly one in five households have struggled to pay their water bill in the past year - fuelled by April’s inflation-shattering price hikes, research has revealed.

A report by Citizens Advice says a growing number of people have been forced to cut back on other outgoings, including food and energy, and in many cases ration their water use.

For almost a third of those struggling, problems started when water bills leapt by an average of £123 per year from April, and up to £224 in the case of some suppliers.

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Water companies, slammed for years of bumper fat cat pay and shareholder rewards, argued the increases were needed to fund decades of under investment.

But Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said it “can’t come at the cost of higher bills that push low-income households into debt or impossible choices.”

She added: “Every winter we hear of families turning off the heating. Now we anticipate those same households will have to ration showers or cut down on laundry for fear of their water bill.”

It comes as more than 20 organisations call for a national water social tariff to help those struggling. Citizens Advice says almost one in five households had difficulty meeting the cost of their water bill in the past year, with 21% of those getting into debt with their supplier as a result.

It found that more than a third of those struggling are rationing water, including by cutting showers, toilet flushes and clothes washing.

Citizens Advice is among those calling for a single water social tariff - a discounted bill for households on the lowest incomes. It argues the existing system of social tariffs is a “postcode lottery”, with each water provider having different rules on who qualifies for help.

Around 25 organisations have sent a joint letter to new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds making the case for a national water social tariff in England and Wales.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age, one of those involved, said: “Across England and Wales, many older people on low incomes tell us they are only washing a few times a week, reducing the amount of laundry they do and even avoiding flushing the toilet to save money. No one of any age should have to live like this. Water is an essential utility, but the current system is broken, the postcode lottery needs to end.

“All water companies provide some form of a social tariff, but they vary greatly in generosity and eligibility criteria. To make matters worse, you cannot change provider, so if you’re in financial hardship and worried about your water bill, you have almost no options.

“Water bills are set to rise in the coming years and without intervention from the UK Government, there will be a drastic surge in the number of older people living in water poverty. A national water social tariff in England and Wales would protect people living on low incomes.”

Single mum Natalie was shocked when her monthly water bill jumped from £40 to £70. “You feel like you’re being penalised for just living,” she Natalie, who decline to give her full name, who is her early 30s and lives in the north of England.

She juggles working part time with looking after her two young children. ”How can they justify this kind of increase from everybody? And you’re just expected to pay it. There’s nothing you can do about it or you’re going to go into debt with them. But you have to make do. I try not to let my children see that I struggle and just let them be kids.”

While she gets Universal Credit, she earned too much to be eligible for a support scheme with her local water supplier. Natalie adds: “I think there should be more support in place like cheaper tariffs. People are struggling with everyday living.”