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Water Charges: Social Tariffs

Asked by Kevin HollinrakeConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 11 March 2026UIN 118225

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answers of 4 December 2025 to Question 94726 on Water Charges, and of 10 December 2025 to Question 96792 on Water Charges: Social Tariffs, what information Ofwat holds on the average cost of social tariffs to other domestic customers, across each individual water company.

Answered by Emma Hardy

In their PR24 business plans, water companies are required to explain how affordability support (including social tariffs) is funded. Companies must consult with their customers and organisations representing customers, to understand what an acceptable cross-subsidy is, and the eligibility for social tariff schemes. Some companies 'top-up' their social tariff schemes through shareholder contributions.

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