Thames Water has initiated what it describes as an unprecedented program aimed at reducing water expenses for low-income families in London.
Residents in 17 boroughs across the city who require financial assistance will be automatically enrolled in the company’s social tariff initiative, eliminating the need for an application process.
By collaborating with local councils and the Policy in Practice social data platform, Thames Water has established data-sharing agreements to pinpoint customers whose water expenses surpass 5% of their disposable income. Those qualifying will be registered in the WaterHelp program, which offers a 50% discount on their bills.
This initiative follows a trial conducted earlier this year in the Wandsworth and Richmond boroughs.
Thames Water anticipates that this program will help around 33,000 financially vulnerable households save over £300 annually, cumulatively exceeding £10 million each year.
Additionally, the company is identifying more customers who might qualify for its WaterSure social tariff or could benefit from an extra support scheme providing up to £700 in assistance.
Nina White, Thames Water’s director of income, stated: “Our mission is to provide essential services to the community, and we are committed to aiding customers who are finding it difficult to manage their bills.”
The scheme will be launched in several areas, including Richmond, Camden, Wandsworth, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Enfield, Lambeth, Kensington & Chelsea, Islington, Westminster, Lewisham, Ealing, Brent, Greenwich, and Southwark.
Thames Water reported that the pilot program in Wandsworth and Richmond resulted in over 1,800 households receiving a collective £650,000 in financial assistance.
Simon Hogg, the Labour leader of Wandsworth Council, remarked: “It’s crucial for residents to access the support they deserve. Over 1,000 households in Wandsworth will now benefit from lower water bills, providing essential relief to those facing financial difficulties and dealing with rising costs.”
Thames Water, which services a large portion of Greater London, Luton, the Thames Valley, Surrey, Gloucestershire, and other regions in England, is on the verge of nationalization due to overwhelming debt.
Earlier this month, a consortium of Thames Water lenders unveiled a plan to invest £20.5 billion to improve the performance of the struggling supplier in an effort to rescue the company.
A review conducted in July indicated that significant increases in water bills are necessary to compensate for years of underinvestment, with household charges expected to rise by 30% by 2030 due to pressure to keep prices low over the years.
