SOUTHERN Water has reminded customers of its range of support as the cost of living increases.

With energy bills and other household expenses set to go up at the start of the financial year, the company’s combined water and wastewater bills are set to fall by an average of £5 a month.

The firm offers support measures, including payment holidays, special tariffs and tailored payment plans to those going through tough times.

Southern Water also offers extra help for those with long-term illnesses, disabilities, the elderly, as well as new parents and those with young children.

Katy Taylor, chief customer officer, said: “If you’re finding it hard to pay your bills due to the surging costs of living or for any other reason, our message remains - get in touch with us because we can help.”

Southern Water also offers a free water-saving home visit to help reduce bills, where an engineer could fit up to £100 of water-saving devices in a customer’s home.

The company provides over 126,000 customers across its region with some form of financial assistance, providing more than £12.5 million worth of support last year.

Average household water and waste bills for 2022-23 will cost £401.54, down in actual terms by just over one per cent from the average bill of £406.91 in 2021-22.

Water bills from the company have now fallen in real terms, adjusted for inflation, for the fourth year in a row - with bills lower in absolute terms for a second year.

People seeking help and support in paying their water bills can visit Southern Water’s website to complete a Financial Assitance form, or give them a call for free on 0800 027 0363.

Households will be able to claim a £150 council tax rebate from next month from the government in an effort to help millions manage the rising cost of living.

People who pay council tax by direct debit will see the cash go directly into their bank accounts from April.

Those who do not pay by direct debit will be contacted by the council and invited to make a claim.