Plymouth MP backs call for support for South West Water customers

A Plymouth MP has given his backing to a call for support for low income households following the decision to end the £50 government contribution for South West Water (SWW) customers. Fred Thomas MP has joined forces with other MPs across the South West in asking for help for vulnerable people.

Earlier this month it was announced that the annual subsidy, introduced in 2013, was to be removed from April next year. The subsidy was originally introduced when water bills in the South West were much higher than the average bill elsewhere in the country.

Now, water bills in the South West are much closer to the national average, and cheaper than some other regions,. Ofwat estimates that by 2029 SWW bills will be considerably cheaper than a number of other regions.

Labour MPs in the region say that they understand the removal of the subsidy, but they are calling on the government to protect vulnerable people and those on lower incomes from the impacts that the removal of this subsidy may have. They have written to Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, to ask the government to introduce a single social tariff to support those who may now struggle to pay their water bills.

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said: “I completely understand why the government have taken the decision to remove this subsidy, it makes sense. However, there are some people in Plymouth, those on lower incomes and the vulnerable, who will need to be protected from the impact of this decision.

“A single social tariff to support those who need it would create a fairer system and help support those in financial hardship, and so we are calling on the government to implement one and would welcome a meeting with the minister.”

Anna Gelderd, MP for South East Cornwall, said: “While the removal of the South West Water subsidy reflects changes in water pricing across the UK, I'm pleased to work with South West MPs to ensure that this decision doesn’t place additional strain on those who can least afford it. For many vulnerable households in South East Cornwall, even small increases in costs can have a significant impact.

"Introducing a single social tariff would provide much-needed support to those who need it most, creating a fairer system. I urge the government to act swiftly to protect low-income households from unnecessary hardship.”

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