Dear LPG,

I know that there have been many Covid-19 rules, one of the most fundamental ones being that we all need to wash our hands more and it goes without saying that observing that rule will affect our water bills a little, but I read an article that appeared on your website on March 7^th this year  (►►►), that tells of a scheme which is in place for people who are found to be paying too much for their supply. 

JW, who shared the information, aimed comments at the many possible people who live in flats or apartments where it was not possible to have a separate water meter, in spite of the news that they were to become mandatory in some UK areas. This included most of London and even the water companies realise that their nominal assessments may leave some people paying more than they should.

The ‘Watersure’ scheme, mentioned in JW’s message, is designed to make sure that people who pay the nominal amount don’t pay more than they can afford to, it is true but there is a little more to it than that.

If your bill is really high there are circumstances where you can apply regardless of if you own or rent, live in a house or a flat, or have a meter or not. The application form makes a point of asking about people who care for, live with, or have incontinence issues which would result in much more sheet-washing than in an average household. It is something that we don’t often think about, but our automatic top and front loaders help us to use a lot of water at the best of times and if you have to wash sheets every day, it stands to reason that your bill will often be higher. In those circumstances it is really worth applying for this help, although you will need a doctor’s letter to support your application.

I have a friend who is a pensioner living with a disabled daughter.  He is not particularly poor but, like all of us, appreciates any financial help he can get.  His grown-up daughter does not have any incontinence issues but suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as part of her illness. This is a condition which forces her to feel the need to continually wash her hands, often for long periods of time, and use the washing machine excessively and, although they have a water meter, the bills have been going through the roof.  I mentioned what I had read to him and he felt that, as the water is getting used in his house and because there is little he can do about it at the moment there was no chance that he could get help, but with a letter from his doctor explaining the problem his water bills have now been capped so that there is a maximum amount that he pays even if more water is used.

My friend printed the form and talked to the doctor and it has taken a little while but their bill is now capped and the discount has been back dated.  In fact, he is in credit to the point where the direct debit is now just £5.00 per month which will be paid just to keep it going until it all evens itself out.

So, I would just like to remind readers that there are many reasons beyond the control of the bill-payer that may cause a water bill to be high and, if there is a valid reason (usually medical), it may be possible to get a little help.

I just want to say that it is worth mentioning the ‘Watershure’ scheme if the adviser that you talk to is backwards in coming forwards with the suggestion.  Completing it could make a difference, but it could make no difference at all, you will never know until you try.

You can telephone them on 0800 980 8800 and they will send you an application form, but I have also left the link below for those who are able to print it out for themselves, and the number to call to find out more is 0800 009 3652.

FL, Bellingham

LPG offers some information…

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