Removal of the £50 government contribution

The £50 Government contribution was introduced in 2013, in recognition of the unique circumstances faced by our region, where 3% of the nation’s population were supporting one third of the country’s coastline.  

The £50 contribution has been an important step to ensure bills remain manageable for our customers who have helped to fund this essential coastal protection for the entire country. The contribution has directly benefited customers.

We have driven efficiencies with bills lower today in real terms than they were 10 years ago. We have also delivered £100m of support to customers in this regulatory period who require help with their bills, and we are on track to eradicate water poverty.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2030 period, we plan to invest a further £2.8bn in the region and to increase our package of financial support to over £200m. We are doubling down on our commitment to eradicate water poverty by 2030, one of only a handful of water companies doing so.  

Removing the £50 contribution across the South West is one of several tough decisions this Government has had to make.

The removal of the contribution is due to be effective from 1st April 2025 and we will be working with our customers to help them understand what it means for them, and how we can help.

What does it mean for you?

Following this announcement, we would like to reassure you that there are no changes to your bill today.  Any changes to your bill will take affect from 1st April 2025.

In parallel, we are also working with Ofwat on our investment plans for 2025-2030 and agreeing how much we will charge customers over that period.

The timeline below shows the key dates over the coming months that will affect customer bills.

Help when it’s needed

Our commitment to eradicating water poverty remains unwavering. One of the ways we can help is by offering you a water meter, so you only pay for the water you use. It also puts you in control of your water use so you can take steps to reduce your bill.

We’re so confident that you’ll save money on a meter, you’ll automatically be given our Lowest Bill Guarantee. If you don’t save money in the first two years after your meter is installed, we’ll refund the difference between your metered and unmetered bill, and you can switch back at any time, You can apply for a water meter online.

If you’re currently applying for any means-tested benefits, please let us know and we can put your account on hold until your application is complete. For any other help with paying your bill, please see our options below, or call us on 0344 346 1010.

Help with debt

I got into debt and want to pay it back, but it’s too much

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and can’t pay the money you owe us, don’t worry. We can help you clear your water debt with our payment matching scheme - ReStart. Each week, you make an agreed payment. In turn, we’ll write off a percentage of your debt until it’s completely cleared.

I’m struggling with all my debt – not just water

WaterDirect is run together with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s a simple way to take better control of your money. The scheme allows you to pay off your debt directly from your benefit payments.

Not sure how to proceed?

That’s why we have WaterCare+, chat to one of our friendly experts, either on the phone or face-to-face, to talk through your options. They’ll make sure you’re getting the best support, when and where you need it most.

As part of this they’ll:

• Check you’re getting all the benefits available to you
• Make sure you’re on the lowest possible tariff for your situation
• An expert can visit you at home and suggest simple ways you can reduce your water and energy use.

Sounds like the kind of help you need? Just call 0344 346 1010 and ask to speak to a member our Affordability and Vulnerability Team.