More older households across the East Midlands could be facing water poverty by 2029/2030, warns national charity Independent Age.
Latest figures show that in the East Midlands, 8% of pensioner households are already living in water poverty, a figure projected to rise to 12% by 2029/30 if nothing changes1. This means 51,067 households are spending more than 3% of their household income on this essential utility.
In response to rising water bills, Independent Age has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to introduce a national social tariff to tackle the growing problem of water poverty.
The charity regularly hears from older people who are forced to ration their water use by washing less, flushing the toilet less often, and avoiding the use of their washing machines altogether. A national social tariff would provide standardised and consistent financial support for people of all ages living on low incomes across England and Wales, and has the potential to lift between 292,000 and 578,000 older people out of water poverty.
The petition follows a disappointing white paper in January 2026 where the UK Government did not take on board the recommendation from the Independent Water Commission to introduce a national social tariff for water. The charity points out that the current system of water companies providing their own social tariffs has led to an unfair postcode lottery.
Earlier this month, Independent Age released YouGov polling showing that around one in five people (22%) in England and Wales are cutting down on water usage due to cost, and out of this group, around a third say it is negatively affecting their health (33%) and personal hygiene (31%)2.
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE said:
“Water bills are continuing to soar, and behind the statistics, there are real people making drastic cutbacks to reduce their costs. We have heard from older people washing in sinks, letting dishes pile up over days, and avoiding flushing the toilet. This should not be happening.
“Please add your voice to our campaign calling on the UK Government to implement a national social tariff for water in England and Wales. This will protect low-income households from rising water bills and put an end to the unfair postcode lottery that blights the lives of those living in areas with less generous schemes. It’s clear that the current system of each water company providing their own social tariff is no longer fit for purpose. Where you live shouldn’t determine how much financial support you receive.
“The UK Government says that tackling the cost of living is its top priority. If that’s true, it must take meaningful action to address the growing crisis of water affordability. Water is not a luxury – it is a necessity. No one should be forced to ration it.”
To sign the petition, see: Independent Age national water social tariff petition
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