South East Water has expanded social tariff support by embedding an online eligibility tool on its website to help customers identify financial assistance available for their water bills.
The drinking water provider has partnered with Policy in Practice to integrate the ‘Better Off Calculator’ into its Priority Services page. The tool enables customers to assess eligibility for the company’s Social Tariff, Government benefits and other sources of financial support.
Social tariff support linked to wider income maximisation
The Better Off Calculator evaluates household financial circumstances and identifies potential entitlement to social security, locally administered benefits, grants and utility support schemes. According to Policy in Practice, more than seven million people across the UK may be missing out on financial support each year.
By embedding the tool into its customer journey, South East Water aims to simplify eligibility checks and improve access to support for households facing financial pressure. The company also provides assistance through the Priority Services Register, payment flexibility options and water efficiency measures.
Tanya Sephton, Customer Services Director at South East Water, said the initiative is designed to improve access to information and streamline support processes for customers experiencing temporary or long-term vulnerability.
Deven Ghelani, Founder and CEO of Policy in Practice, said the collaboration is intended to reduce barriers to accessing available support.
Water poverty and sector-wide investment
The water industry has allocated £700 million this year toward social tariffs to support customers with bill affordability. South East Water has stated that it aims to increase the number of customers receiving financial assistance by 40% over the next five years, with a target of supporting 104,000 households by 2030.
Currently, approximately 84,000 customers receive support through the company’s Social Tariff and WaterSure scheme. Additional signposting to independent advice organisations is available via its partnership with the National Support Network.
Further information is available at South East Water’s Priority Services page.
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