A BBC specialist has revealed that households can slash some bills by £57 monthly through a special tariff scheme. One BBC Morning Live viewer disclosed that by acting on advice from consumer expert Laura Pomfret, their water bill savings total £684 over 12 months.

She highlighted that water firms provide social tariffs for those who qualify – something many remain oblivious to – which could deliver enormous savings, potentially up to 90 per cent off bills. Presenter Gethin Jones remarked, “Our experts are aware that a lot of people don’t realise there is support out there.

“The reason I say that is Sue’s been in touch reacting to something she saw on Morning Live a couple of weeks ago that you did Laura about saving on essential bills. So, this is from Sue saying, ‘Thank you for the info on saving on essential bills. I applied for the big difference scheme and I’m now saving £57 per month on my water bills.’ That I mean it’s a huge savings. What do people need to know about that?”.

Laura responded: “Listen, across a year, that’s such a lot of money. I’m so glad she did. So many people don’t apply for them. So, to be clear, this is the big difference scheme is a social tariff offered by Seven Trent, but there are loads of different types of social tariffs offered by all the different water companies. Depending on your income, you could get up to 90% off your bill. So, worth checking.”

She outlined that individuals should verify with their own water supplier what assistance is available – emphasising that all providers would offer some form of social tariff.

Ms Pomfret stated: “Sue’s win is a reminder that we should all check this. So, if you’re struggling or you’re on a low income, your water company will have some support available. So, let’s check if you’re entitled to it. The best step, go to your water company’s website. They will list out what their social tariff is. If you struggle with a website, just pick the phone up, ring them, ask what help they give and to see if you’re eligible for it. You can also go to a central place to check out all these different tariffs.

“You will only have one obviously available with your own water company, but the Consumer Council for Water has a really good breakdown of every suppliers help scheme if you’re in England and Wales, Scotland, Consumer Scotland have it. And in Northern Ireland, you can go to the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. But check out these social tariffs. They’re all called something different, but it could make a big difference just like it did for Sue.

“If you have a high water use because of a medical condition or you have three or more children in England and Wales, the water shore scheme can cap your bill. So, see if you’re entitled to that, it uh Scotland and Northern Ireland. Speak to your water provider or your council to see if you’re entitled to something.”

Regulator Ofwat confirms that all water companies provide a social tariff for qualifying customers, which reduces water bills. For a list, use this link.