Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 51391 on Water Charges, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of seasonal water metering tariffs on water bills.

The Government supports innovative approaches aiming to make bills more affordable for their customers.

Defra are not conducting separate assessments.

Ofwat regulates the trials by requiring companies to ensure all trials are consistent with good practice principles. Companies must also consult with the Consumer Council for Water to protect or exclude vulnerable customers, which ensures customers are protected while these important trials take place.