Families could soon be hit with steeper water bills under new plans being explored, and it’s already sparked serious backlash. Critics are dubbing it a “bathtime tax” that unfairly targets traditional households, especially those with kids, gardens, or even a small paddling pool.
Water companies want to shake up how we’re charged by introducing a new system where households that use the most water pay the most. Sounds straightforward on the surface, but the details have plenty of people riled up. The Labour Party has said they’re open to the idea, which has only fuelled the political fire.
Under the new pricing model, the more water you use, the more each litre will cost you. This approach, known as rising block tariffs, means rates increase as usage goes up. It’s being sold as “progressive” pricing by the water firms, who claim it’ll encourage people to use less and could lower bills for smaller households, reported the Express.
But here’s the rub – it’s families who’ll likely feel the pinch. Think gardens that need watering, kids having an extra bath, or simply more people living in one house. Come summer, the impact could be even worse. Some firms are also pushing for seasonal pricing, where water would cost more during the warmer months when usage naturally goes up.
So, that innocent splash about in the paddling pool or watering your veg patch could come with a higher price tag. And it’s not just the pricing model – the whole plan depends on smart meters being rolled out widely so water use can be tracked in real-time.
Currently, only about 12 percent of homes in England have smart meters, though around 60 percent are using the older-style ones. Rolling out new tech to millions of homes won’t be cheap or quick, and it raises plenty of questions about practicality and privacy, too.
According to The Telegraph, Labour ministers have shown interest in piloting these new tariffs. Water companies are all for it, saying it’ll help curb waste and promote fairer bills. But not everyone is convinced it’s so fair.
The Conservatives have hit back hard. They argue the proposals are punishing parents for doing perfectly normal things like running a bath or keeping the garden tidy. One party insider told The Telegraph the whole thing felt “punitive” and even accused Labour of launching a “war on family homes.”
The debate is heating as parts of the country face growing pressure on water supplies. England recently experienced one of the driest starts to spring in nearly 70 years, and the Environment Agency has already declared a drought in the North West.
It’s clear something needs to be done about how we use water, but whether this plan is the right move is still up for debate. For many families, especially those already feeling the squeeze, the thought of having to pay extra just for a bit of garden fun or daily essentials is a tough one to swallow.
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