Government's £50 water bill contribution to end
It'll finish for South West Water customers in April
The Government's £50 contribution to South West Water customers' bills is set to be dropped.
It was introduced in 2013 to make up for bills being above the national average for many years - but it's set to come to an end on the 1st of April.
In a statement, South West Water says, "This government contribution was originally introduced in 2013, in recognition of the unique circumstances faced by our region, where 3% of the nation’s population live, but where we look after one third of the country’s coastline.
"The £50 contribution has been an important step to ensure bills remain manageable for customers who help fund this essential coastal protection for the entire country.
"The contribution directly benefited customers.
"We have worked hard to be efficient. We have driven efficiencies to drive down bill levels, with bills lower today than they were 10 years ago.
"We have also delivered £100m of support to customers who have affordability issues in this regulatory period. £200m is set aside to support customers as part of our 2025-2030 plan as we invest £2.8bn in the region.
"The removal of the contribution is due to be effective from 1st April 2025 and we will be working with our customers to help them understand what it means for them, and how we can help.
"Removing the £50 contribution across the South West is one of several tough decisions this government has had to make.
"We're here for our customers, with a £200m support package, doubling down on our pledge to eradicate water poverty by 2030 and one of a handful of water companies doing so."