The tariff is designed to help customers who are struggling to pay by providing a discount of at least 45% for households with a low income or who are claiming Pension Credit. 

Using pioneering database technology developed by social policy software and analytics company Policy In Practice and internal referrals from staff, the councils’  Proactive team identifies people who may not be coping financially and offer appropriate help quickly and efficiently. 

This year the team has helped residents to receive support with utility bills and food costs, as well as helping people claim benefits they are entitled to, and to clear rent arrears. 

The team will continue to pass on the details of any residents that may be eligible for the Essentials tariff to Southern Water. The partnership will be subject to strict rules around personal data and security and the information shared is strictly for the purpose of benefiting eligible residents.

Adur & Worthing Councils are the first local authorities to partner with Southern Water in this way, but the water company plans to expand the scheme to work with more councils across their region next year. 

Southern Water will also be attending a free cost of living event organised by the Proactive team, which takes place at Eastbrook Manor Community Centre in Fishersgate on Thursday December 12 from 2pm to 5pm. 

Cllr Lee Cowen, Adur’s cabinet member for housing and citizen services, said: “By sharing information directly with Southern Water, our team has helped thousands of our residents to get instant money off their water bills without them having to lift a finger. Our Proactive staff will continue to work hard to identify anyone else that becomes eligible.”

Cllr Ödül Bozkurt, Worthing’s cabinet member for housing and citizen services, said: “We know that many of our residents are continuing to be impacted by the cost of living and rising utility bills. There is a lot of support available for anyone that is struggling to pay the bills, including information on our website, direct support from our Proactive team or in-person advice at our next cost of living event.”

Nicky Chitty, Southern Water’s affordability and vulnerability lead, said: “We are delighted to be working together with colleagues at Adur & Worthing Councils so that no households miss out on the support they may be entitled to. By joining our Essentials tariff, these customers will automatically receive a minimum discount of 45% off their bills. We hope this will be the first of many similar council partnerships as we seek to support those in need within our communities.”  

To find out more about the partnership between Adur & Worthing Councils and Southern Water visit:https://www.southernwater.co.uk/latest-news/new-partnership-with-local-councils/.

Or for wider information if you are struggling to pay your water bill, visit Southern Water’s dedicated webpage: What If I Can't Pay My Bill? - Southern Water