**Households in Wales Eligible for Water Bill Discounts of up to 70%**
Water bills in Wales have recently spiked following the onset of ‘Awful April.’ However, relief may be in sight for customers looking to significantly reduce their water bills by potentially hundreds of pounds. As per a report on Wales Online, households in Wales are among those facing one of the sharpest increases in water bills across England and Wales. The average water bill is predicted to surge from £503 to £639, marking an approximate 27% rise. Some residents have experienced even steeper hikes, with one individual in Cardiff witnessing their monthly bill escalate from £85.30 to £113.83. Over the next five years, household water bills in Wales are anticipated to rise by 42%, surpassing initial expectations, defined as “significant” by financial experts.
Despite the daunting increase in water bills, there exists a lifeline for those seeking assistance in managing the surge. Various water companies offer discounted tariffs targeted at aiding low-income households and individuals receiving specific benefits. While the availability of these discounts remains widely untapped, recent research indicates that a substantial £974 million in social tariffs for water bills went unclaimed in 2024. Sebrina McCullough, Director of External Relations at Money Wellness, emphasised that individuals should explore these discounted options for support. Many water companies, including Welsh Water Dŵr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy, extend aid to qualifying households.
Welsh Water Dŵr Cymru’s HelpU tariff seeks to alleviate the burden on low-income households by capping the amount payable for water. For the period running from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the annual HelpU cap stands at £319.03. To meet the criteria for this tariff, a household member must be in receipt of at least one means-tested benefit, with the household income falling beneath specified thresholds. Benefits considered include Universal Credit, Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA), and Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), among others. Eligible applicants can apply for the discount through an online portal.
Furthermore, Hafren Dyfrdwy’s Here2Help scheme offers reductions on annual water charges based on household size and income levels. Discounts through this scheme range between 30% and 70%, customised to individual circumstances. To qualify for Here2Help, household incomes must fall below designated thresholds based on the number of dependents. Additional information and application procedures for this scheme are available online. The assistance offered by water companies in Wales underscores a critical avenue for residents to gain control over their rising water bills during these challenging times.
In conclusion, as water bills continue to soar, households in Wales grappling with financial constraints can explore these discount options to mitigate the impact on their budgets. Utilising available support systems such as the HelpU tariff and Here2Help scheme can provide much-needed relief for individuals facing escalating water bills. By tapping into these resources, residents can navigate the financial strains posed by rising utility costs, ensuring greater financial stability and peace of mind for families across Wales.