PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(1 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of South Staffs Water’s compulsory metering programme on household bills; and what information her Department holds on how many customers are expected to experience an annual bill increase of (a) less than £50, (b) £50 to £100, (c) £100 to £250 and (d) more than £250.

Asked by:
Wendy Morton (Conservative)

This Government is committed to a fair, affordable and accessible water system and are acting to protect vulnerable customers from rising bills, while balancing affordability with the need for investment to secure clean and reliable water services and improve the environment. Support Schemes, including WaterSure, social tariffs and debt assistance, are available for vulnerable customers.

Smart meters will provide customers in England with greater control over billing. The Government is working with Ofwat to monitor the impact smart meters will have on billing, as well as working with the Smart Water Meter Delivery Group (SWMDG) to ensure that the benefits of smart meters are realised for customers.

Answered by:
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