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Media centre
Each year Ofwat collects information on the number of households applying for and receiving help under the Vulnerable Groups Scheme, which water companies were required to set up under statute in April 2000. Under the scheme low-income metered households, who need to use large quantities of water for essential purposes, pay no more than the average household bill for their region. Household customers who receive certain benefits or tax credits and are either responsible for three or more children under the age of 19, or have a medical condition which requires a significant additional use of water can, therefore, use the water they need without worrying about their bill. Currently around 9,000 metered households receive assistance under the scheme. Whilst this is an increase of 20% across the industry in the past year the uptake of the scheme remains low and companies need to continue promoting the scheme to those who would benefit Customers who feel that they may be eligible for assistance should contact their local water company for further details. Note to Editors: 1. The Director General of Water Services is the economic regulator of the water and sewerage companies in England and Wales. He exercises his powers in a way that he judges will allow them to carry out their functions properly, and finance them. His duties include protecting the interests of customers, wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition. 2. The scheme is set out in the Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) Regulations 1999 (as amended). 3. The Regulations only apply to companies who operate wholly or mainly in England. Dŵr Cymru and Dee Valley Water offer the scheme on a voluntary basis. 4. Further detail on the scheme and the number of households receiving assistance, for each company, can be found at www.ofwat.gov.uk 5. The costs of administering the scheme are borne by the water companies. 6. All companies are required to set out details of the scheme in their Charges Schemes which are approved by Ofwat on an annual basis. MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO OFWAT PRESS OFFICE ON: 0121 625 1416/1496/1442 Out of hours enquiries to: 07884 117760 or 07778 160806. Ofwat publications and press notices can be found on Ofwat's website at: www.ofwat.gov.uk  | ||||||
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