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Written question asked by Anna Dixon (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water Charges: Social Tariffs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a national standardised water social tariff with clear eligibility and consistent discount levels.

Answer

The Government is working with industry to keep support schemes under review to ensure that vulnerable customers are supported. We are working with water companies to ensure vulnerable customers across the country receive support. This includes improving the guidance for companies to design the best social tariffs for their customers.

Over the next five years, water companies will have more than doubled the number of customers that will receive help with their bills through social tariffs from 4% in 2025 to 9% in 2030. We expect companies to hold themselves accountable for their commitment to end Water Poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure appropriate measures are taken to this end.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112739
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Social tariffs Water charges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk