Thousands of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits claimants are exempt from the hosepipe ban imposed by Southern Water and Affinity Water, thanks to the WaterSure tariff. The exemption, which applies to customers with essential water needs, has drawn sharp criticism from politicians who argue it penalises hardworking bill-payers.
WaterSure Tariff Exemption Details
Since Friday, Southern Water and Affinity Water customers have been under a hosepipe ban. However, those on the WaterSure tariff—designed for households with higher essential water use due to medical conditions, large families, or disabilities—are permitted to use hosepipes. Affinity Water noted that over 85% of WaterSure customers are also on the Priority Services Register, prompting the company to simplify exemptions.
A spokesperson for Affinity Water explained: "WaterSure supports customers who have an essential need and need to use more water, such as those with certain medical conditions. We recognise that different customers need different types of support, and we work to understand their circumstances and provide the right type of help where needed."
Political Backlash
Suella Braverman, the Reform MP for Fareham and Waterlooville—a constituency affected by the ban—called the exemption "ridiculous." She said: "How ridiculous has this country become when you have to be on benefits to use water? It’s absurd and another act of lunacy in Labour’s two-tier Britain where aspiration and hard work are punished. Many people will rightly ask what is the point of working when you can get so many benefits for free."
Kevin Hollinrake MP, chairman of the Conservative Party, added: "It beggars belief that people getting reduced water bills at the expense of everyone else are exempt from this hosepipe ban. Of course, those with disabilities or a genuine need should be able to use a hosepipe. But the fact that people claiming welfare are also exempt, while full bill-payers face the restrictions, will come as a kick in the hosepipe."
Water Companies Defend Exemption
Both water companies defended the exemption, emphasising that it targets vulnerable customers. A Southern Water spokesman said: "The WaterSure tariff supports customers who have higher essential water use for a variety of reasons, from large families to disability to mobility issues. Some qualify for multiple reasons. Rather than introduce a complex process that could create confusion and anxiety among the more vulnerable, we’ve communicated to everyone on this tariff in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that the current hosepipe restrictions do not apply to them."
The spokesman added: "Our messaging makes clear that we still expect these customers to use water wisely, and we have offered advice on how they can reduce their water usage without affecting their essential needs. Even small changes make a big difference and we’re grateful to all our customers for their support in helping protect the environment and keep taps flowing."
