Farron celebrates new law to bring cheaper water bills for South Lakes

Thousands of people in South Lakeland could pay less for their water bills after the Government accepted proposals put forward by the Liberal Democrats for new 'social tariffs'. Elderly people and families on low incomes are now set to receive lower water bills.

Ministers promised to introduce new social tariffs (concessions based on ability to pay), after the Liberal Democrats put forward a clause into the Flood and Water Management Bill that would cut the bills of the poorest customers. The Bill is expected to come into law before the General Election and would see water companies introducing "social tariffs" for groups of customers who have particular difficulty affording their bills.

Only around 24,000 customers currently benefit from the Government's WaterSure scheme that provides assistance to vulnerable people with their bills, but the new law means that as many as 300,000 households could be eligible - including up to 2,000 homes in the South lakes.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson Tim Farron said:

"I'm delighted that thousands of families in South Lakeland could benefit from reduced water bills when a new "rebate" scheme is introduced.

"With so many other pressures on family budgets, it is right that we take action now to protect the most vulnerable customers, particularly in areas where low incomes combine with high water bills."