New research has revealed the day to day impact that soaring water bills are having on older people with low incomes as a charity calls for urgent action
Campaigners have warned of a “tsunami” of water poverty because of price hikes.
A survey by the charity Independent Age found nearly half of over 65s in England and Wales living on a low income are cutting back their spending on water usage either a great deal or a fair amount.
They include 46% who say they have reduced the number of times they flush the toilet to lower their water bill, 41% who have cut back using the washing machine, and 31% who are taking fewer showers.
The findings follow a jump in water bills from April, with prices soaring by up to 47%. Some suppliers hiked prices by as much as £224 a year and the average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales jumped by 26%, or £123 a year, to £603. Suppliers argue the big increases are needed to carry out long overdue investment work to fix leaks and sewage discharges.
Independent Age is calling for a national social tariff for water which would mean people of all ages living on a low income qualifying for consistent financial support to lower their water bills.
The charity’s research revealed last year that, without intervention, the number of older people living in water poverty could surge from 750,000 to almost a million by 2029/30.
Morgan Vine, its director of policy and influencing, said: “Older people on a low income in England and Wales are in desperate need of a national social tariff for water, without it, there will be a tsunami of water poverty among people of all ages including our older generation.
“The people in later life we support tell us the drastic lengths they are taking to reduce their water bills including only washing a couple times a week, not flushing the toilet and no longer filling up the kettle. This shouldn’t be happening in a modern wealthy society.
“Our national polling clearly demonstrates they are not alone and that older people in financial hardship are experiencing widespread anxiety around water bills. We urge the UK Government to listen to the voices of people on low income and the Independent
“Water Commission, and start working towards establishing a national social tariff for water that protects people in financial hardship and ends the postcode lottery of support as soon as possible.
“While all water companies must offer a social tariff, they vary considerably in generosity and eligibility criteria. Where you live shouldn’t dictate how much help you receive. We are ready to support the UK Government’s efforts to lower water bills. Now is the time for action, there can be no delay.”
Judith Howard, 78, a retired church organ maker living in London said: “If a national social tariff lowers my water bills, it could change my life. I never thought I would have to ration my water usage in later life.
“I’ve stopped having baths and just use my basin to wash myself as I can’t afford to have a shower put in. I no longer use the washing machine as it is too expensive to run.
“I now do all my laundry at the launderette which is a bus ride away. I have even resorted to restricting the number of times I flush the loo. I don’t like living this way, but I have no choice.”