Water Bills and How to Save?

·25 min·2 clips

New research shows a third of households in England and Wales are cutting water use to save money after record price rises.

The episode opens with a focus on water bills, noting record price rises that have increased average bills by over £120 to more than £600 a year. Exclusive research from the University of Bristol's Personal Finance Research Centre, done with the Financial Fairness Trust, shows 34% of households in England and Wales are using less water to cut costs. Reporter Dan Whitworth shares voices from Crewe, where residents describe cutting back on washing, showers, and garden water use. Andrew White of the Consumer Council for Water expresses concern about low-income and vulnerable households cutting essential use. Professor Sharon Collard warns that some families are being priced out of using enough water, risking health impacts, especially for those with long-term conditions. The discussion shifts to mortgage lending, with some lenders relaxing affordability rules and offering 100% loans, prompting memories of the 2008 Northern Rock collapse. Ray Bolger of John Charcol explains that current criteria are stricter than in 2008, with 100% loans only on a repayment basis and stress tests still in place. He notes that 15% of new mortgages are for 40-year terms, but most borrowers won't keep them that long. The episode then covers the 25 pence weekly age addition for over-80s, introduced in 1971 and unchanged since, with listener Brian joking about buying two onions with a year's worth. Peter Ruddick explains its history and the DWP's stance on not increasing it. Finally, reporter Joe Krasner asks people in Liverpool what they'd do with a windfall, revealing a mix of uncertainty and ideas like property or ISAs. Stephanie Fitzgerald of the Money Charity advises on portioning money for different goals and highlights the fear that keeps many from moving savings.

As heard by us

A clear Money Box look at a water-bill squeeze, measured by the 34% using less to save money.

Money Box frames England and Wales' water-price rise through a practical household question: what can people do when bills climb and there is no rival supplier to switch to?

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Why you'd press play

You want calm context on why water bills jumped, why cutting use is on the table, and why you cannot simply switch suppliers.

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