Benefits Claimants Exempt from England’s Hosepipe Ban

Since Friday, Southern Water and Affinity Water have allowed customers on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) “WaterSure” tariff to disregard the nationwide hosepipe ban. The exemption applies to families receiving benefits, as well as to customers registered on the Priority Services Register for medical or mobility reasons. The companies say the measure targets “higher essential water use” and does not alter the overall ban for other households.

Birmingham Mail

Affinity Water explained that the WaterSure tariff “supports customers who have an essential need and need to use more water, such as those with certain medical conditions,” and noted that over 85 % of those on the tariff are also Priority Services Register customers. Southern Water added that the tariff “supports customers who have higher essential water use for a variety of reasons, from large families to disability to mobility issues.” Both firms emphasized that exempt customers are still expected to conserve water and have been provided with advice on reducing usage without compromising essential needs.

Birmingham Mail

Conservative MPs have condemned the exemption. Suella Braverman, the Reform Party MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, called the policy “ridiculous” and suggested it rewards welfare claimants while penalising paying customers. Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of the Conservative Party, described the situation as “beggars belief” and warned it could “kick in the hose” for those who pay full water bills.

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• “It’s absurd and another act of lunacy in Labour’s two-tier Britain where aspiration and hard work are punished.” — Suella Braverman, MP

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• “ The Conservative Party ’s Kevin Hollinrake MP, chairman of the Tories, said: “It beggars belief that people getting reduced water bills at the expense of everyone else are exempt from this hosepipe ban.” — Kevin Hollinrake, MP, Conservative Party chairman

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• “ A spokesman for Affinity Water said: “WaterSure supports customers who have an essential need and need to use more water, such as those with certain medical conditions.” — Affinity Water spokesperson

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• “ ? A Southern Water spokesman added: “The WaterSure tariff supports customers who have higher essential water use for a variety of reasons, from large families to disability to mobility issues.” — Southern Water spokesperson

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• “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.” — Water company spokesperson (Hampshire and Isle of Wight)

Birmingham Mail

The exemption has sparked debate over fairness and environmental impact, but the water companies have not detailed how the policy will be monitored or whether similar concessions might be extended to other vulnerable groups. No further governmental response has been reported.

Birmingham Mail