Overview

This bill mandates that water companies in England and Wales must inform customers aged 75 and over of the cheapest available water tariff and, upon request, switch them to that tariff. The aim is to ensure that elderly customers are not paying more than necessary for their water services.

Description

The Water Companies (Minimum Tariffs) Bill compels water companies to proactively inform customers aged 75 or older about the cheapest available water tariff suited to their payment method. This notification must occur at least annually. Customers can request a switch to this cheapest tariff. The water company is exempted from providing this information if they know the customer is under 75 or if the customer requests not to receive it.

Key Aspects:

• Applies to domestic customers in England and Wales.
• Companies must notify eligible customers annually of the cheapest tariff.
• Customers aged 75 or older can request a switch to this tariff.
• Exemptions exist if the company knows the customer is under 75, or if the customer opts out.
• The Act comes into force two months after passing.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost implications would likely relate to potential administrative burdens on water companies to implement the notification and switching processes. No figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

The primary group affected is elderly customers aged 75 and over in England and Wales. This bill aims to benefit them by potentially lowering their water bills. Water companies are also affected, as they will have new administrative responsibilities. The overall impact on government spending is indirect and uncertain.

Powered by nyModel