Guides › Energy and Water Bills › Help Paying Your Water Bill: Social Tariffs and WaterSure
Help Paying Your Water Bill: Social Tariffs and WaterSure
Every water company has a social tariff that can reduce bills for people on low incomes, though the help and who qualifies vary by company. WaterSure caps bills for metered customers on income-related benefits with a large family or a medical condition needing a lot of water. Companies can also offer payment plans and payment breaks.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Help with Bills
Schemes
Every water company has a social tariff for low incomes; the amount and eligibility depend on the company (for example, Affinity Water's LIFT Standard caps annual clean water bills at £160.80). WaterSure caps the water and sewerage bill for customers on income-related benefits with a meter and a large family or a medical condition needing high water use. Flexible payment plans and payment breaks may be offered. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 10 working daysWater company reply at each of its two stages10 working days
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask your water company about its social tariff.
Step 2 of 5
If you have a meter and get benefits, ask about WaterSure.
Step 3 of 5
Ask for a payment plan or break if you are behind.
Step 4 of 5
Consider whether a free water meter could cut your bill.
Step 5 of 5
If the company does not help, go to the Consumer Council for Water.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Water Company's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, then ask for a review if needed.
Consumer Council for Water
After a final response, or 8 weeks after your first complaint.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Not every company offers every scheme, so ask yours directly.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/help-with-bills Checked 13 October 2026
- ccw.org.uk/advice-and-support/make-a-complaint Checked 12 October 2026