Low-income families to save hundreds on water bills through Thanet District Council and Southern Water partnership

Around £1.8m is set to be cut from the bills of the most vulnerable people in Thanet thanks to a partnership between Thanet District Council and Southern Water.

Since 2024, the council has worked with Southern Water on a data-sharing initiative to help residents save money. Through this scheme, they have provided details for just over 5,250 low-income residents and benefit recipients eligible for discounts on their bills.

All Thanet residents who qualify for the cheaper Essentials tariff payment scheme will automatically be moved across. They will have their bills reduced by an average of £346 a year, and Southern Water will be writing to those who have been switched.

The tariff is designed to help customers who are struggling to pay by providing a discount of at least 45% for low-income households in receipt of Council Tax Support.

Cllr Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing at Thanet District Council, said: “I am delighted that the council is supporting so many households through the use of Southern Water’s ‘Essentials’ tariff. This reduction in bills will make a significant difference to people in the district that are in urgent need of financial assistance. To see a longstanding arrangement come to fruition is exceptionally pleasing.

“This partnership is part of our Home Energy Advice team’s ongoing work to help people access financial support schemes. The team works with a range of organisations to ensure that home energy measures can be accessed by as many eligible households as possible, and that households are made aware of all support available.”

Nicky Chitty, Southern Water’s Affordability and Vulnerability lead, said: “We are delighted to be working together with colleagues at Thanet so that no households miss out on the support they may be entitled to.

“By joining our Essentials tariff, these customers will automatically receive a minimum discount of 45% off their bills. We know that many people are struggling with the cost-of-living in Thanet, and we want to find ways we can work with organisations like Thanet District Council to see where we can do more to help.”

The council will continue to pass on the details of any residents that may be eligible for the Essentials tariff to Southern Water.

The partnership is subject to strict rules around personal data and security and the information shared is solely for the purpose of benefiting eligible residents.

For more information, visit Southern Water’s dedicated webpage: What If I Can’t Pay My Bill?