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Water Industry (Financial Assistance) Bill

Naturally, Thames Water will be one of the water companies looking at a company social tariff. That provides a means, as with Severn Trent Water and every other water company, of really helping the most vulnerable customers. It is important, too, to put in context what Thames Water customers, probably including some hon. Members, pay now. Unlike South West Water, Thames Water currently has significantly below average water bills. Where the average combined water and sewerage bill is £356 a year, South West Water ratepayers pay £517 a year, whereas Thames Water's ratepayers have a combined bill of £319 a year. We are starting with Thames Water's ratepayers who have a significantly below average bill.