Anglian Water offers financial support to more than a quarter of a million people during Covid-19 crisis
Anglian Water has revealed it has offered financial support to 270,000 customers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
And it has seen a three-fold increase in the number of people signing up for its Priority Services Register designed to help its most vulnerable customers.
The water company, which covers the largest geographical region in the UK, provides water and wastewater services to almost seven million customers.
Part of Anglian’s package of support includes its WaterCare Service, which offers assistance such as affordable tariffs and payment holidays for those who may be struggling to pay.
Ian Rule, director of customer and wholesale services for Anglian Water said: “We have a variety of ways to help support our customers through our WaterCare Services. Whether it’s changing tariffs, help reading a water meter or payment holidays, we know everyone’s needs are different.”
“Alongside helping people who’ve needed financial support this year, we’ve also seen a 300 per cent increase in customers signed up to our Priority Services Register, meaning over 100,000 of our most vulnerable customers will get help should they need it.”
The company’s priority service offers help to a wide range of people, from those with sight, hearing, or mobility difficulties, to parents with babies under 12 months old. The service also provides support to customers with long or short-term medical needs should there be any interruption to their water supply.
For charities and organisations on the front line dealing with the pandemic in the community, Anglian launched its one million pound Positive Difference Fund in April. So far, half of the fund has been allocated, helping over 80,000 individuals in different ways, with the remainder due to be made available later this year.
Ian added: “Our colleagues at the Consumer Council for Water have challenged water companies to step up in our support for customers during these unprecedented times. As one of the biggest businesses serving our region, it’s absolutely right we offer support in whatever way we can. We would always encourage any of our customers who are struggling to get in touch with us, the sooner we talk, the sooner we can help.”
