I know many of our customers are going through difficult times. People are coping with the cost-of-living crisis, as temperatures fall and families worry about being able to afford to celebrate Christmas. I am pleased that we can play its part in helping some of those families, when they need it the most.
Water is an essential service that we all need every day. That’s why households with very low incomes will continue to receive up to 90% off their bill, and now over 104,000 low-income families in our region will receive 45% off their Southern Water bill, up from 20% previously. This discount is for households with an income of £21,000 or less, which we hope we can offer to an additional 21,000 customers this year. Any customers who think they may qualify, or are struggling to pay their bills, should complete the online form or contact us.
The increased discount is one of the ways we’re accelerating support for customers, as part of a package of £98m available for customers to combat the cost-of-living crisis until 2025. We want to make sure that the most vulnerable people in our communities can get the help they need.
We recently met a pensioner at Hangleton foodbank called Patrick, who told us that he was struggling with his food and utility bills. We talked him through the help that is available, and he was amazed at all the different types of support on offer. We were able to assist Patrick, by reducing his bills, which he said would make a real difference to him with Christmas coming up and it would help towards his heating costs.
We always try to help customers and if you’re struggling to pay your water bill, I would urge you to get in touch on [email protected] or: 0800 027 0363 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
We’re also supporting communities through our Customer and Community Grants Scheme. Our Community Energy Grant provides financial support towards energy bills for community centres, so they can stay open in winter. We are also providing free hot Christmas lunches at various community locations across the region in December. In West Sussex and Kent, we’re providing food vouchers to families receiving free school meals, and we’re working closely with Job Centres and Food Banks across the region, to provide face to face support.
We don’t want anyone to struggle to pay their water bill this Christmas, so please get in touch and see how we can help you.
Katy Taylor
Chief Customer Officer