The due date for water bills is fast approaching and the Consumer Council for Water wants to alert customers who may be struggling to pay, that support is available when it comes to paying for water and sewerage charges.

Water companies have quick and efficient procedures to deal with customers who refuse to pay which may involve legal action. This is entirely in their right, but customers who genuinely are unable to pay their bill need to notify the water company as soon as they find themselves faced with a bill they can't pay. Making the company aware of their situation ensures they get the support they need.

Customers struggling to pay water charges have a range of options available. Water companies may be able to offer more flexible payment options which allow customers to pay charges in a way that suits their circumstances better, such as a weekly or monthly payment plan.

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Many water companies have set up trusts or other schemes which might help eligible customers clear some outstanding debt. Individual water companies have different application procedures, and there are different criteria which customers must meet to be eligible for these schemes. Customers are encouraged to contact their local water company to find out more.

Other support includes national programmes such as WaterSure, which caps a household's water bill at the average rate for their area. This allows metered households who are receiving benefits and use a lot of water because of a large family or a medical condition, to use the extra water they need without having to worry about a high bill.

Water Direct is another national programme which may be available to customers in receipt of Income Support, income-based Job Seekers' Allowance or Pension Credit. The payments can be taken directly from these benefits by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and paid to the water company. Current charges are paid, together with a contribution towards the debt. The advantage of this method is that the payments are made automatically, helping customers to manage finances and budget effectively.

A Consumer Council for Water consumer survey found that just 12% of customers are aware of WaterSure and, while anyone in debt and on specified benefits can apply for payments to go directly to their water provider (Water Direct), it is not always taken up.

(CD/JM)