Families receiving Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits can ignore recent hosepipe bans imposed by two water companies, thanks to new exemptions under the WaterSure tariff. Despite the restrictions coming into effect on Friday for Southern Water and Affinity Water customers, thousands of households classified under WaterSure are allowed continued hosepipe use.
The WaterSure tariff supports customers who require higher essential water usage due to medical conditions, disabilities, or larger family sizes. Both Southern Water and Affinity Water have confirmed that these customers will not be subject to hosepipe restrictions during the current drought measures.
However, this policy has drawn criticism from some politicians. Suella Braverman, MP for Fareham and Waterlooville—areas affected by the ban—called the exemption “ridiculous,” arguing it creates a two-tier system where those on benefits receive privileges others do not. She said, “How ridiculous has this country become when you have to be on benefits to use water? It’s absurd and unfair to those working hard.”
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Similarly, Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake expressed concern over the fairness of the exemption, stating that while exemptions for disabilities and essential needs are reasonable, extending them to welfare claimants while full-paying customers face restrictions feels unjust.
In response, Affinity Water emphasized that WaterSure is designed to support customers with genuine essential water needs, reinforcing that the majority of WaterSure customers are also registered on their Priority Services Register. Southern Water echoed this, highlighting that the tariff covers a range of circumstances, including disability, mobility issues, and large families, and that simplifying exemption communication helps prevent confusion and anxiety among vulnerable customers.
Both companies urge all customers—exempt or not—to continue using water responsibly. They offer advice on reducing water consumption without compromising essential requirements, emphasizing that collective efforts help protect the environment and maintain water supply for all.