Martin Lewis has warned that millions of people on low income are missing out on help to cut their water bills by as much as £160 a year.
On Good Morning Britain, the consumer champion spoke about the 'lesser-known' support which people on low income can claim. By using social tariffs, which are available for all water companies, certain customers can receive a discount of up to 50% in some cases.
Despite the huge savings that people can make, it is believed that only one-fifth of those eligible are claiming the support. Speaking on GMB, presenter Susanna Reid prompted: "5.7 million households are missing out on an average £160 a year?"
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Martin replied: “The biggest one of all being missed out, and the least known one. Every water company has to have its own social tariff - this is for people on lower incomes.
“Only two in 10 people who are eligible for this are claiming this right now. So what you need to do if you're on a lower income and you're struggling to pay your water bill, or even if you're just on a lower income, is go on to your firm's website and search social tariffs.”
If you are unable to apply online, you can also call up your water firm to see if they offer any help, reports Manchester Evening News. Martin highlighted that there are plenty of schemes customers can take advantage of.
He said: "There's more help, too. If you're on a water meter, the water sure scheme is for those on benefits.” He added: “If you have medical needs, which means you need to use more water, or you've got three plus school-aged children, that's an extra help that you can get as well as this or separately to this. But you can just see this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“The most important thing I'd do if I were you, is get yourself onto an online benefits calculator to see the help that's available.” He added: “Millions of people missing out on so much vital support in the middle of a cost of living crisis.”
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