PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(1 September 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of compulsory water metering on (a) large families, (b) disabled people, (c) people with medical conditions requiring additional water use, (d) low-income households and (e) residents unable to access online usage information; and whether water companies are required to complete and publish equality impact assessments before beginning a universal rollout.

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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