‘Extra Help’ Services for South Staffs Water Customers

Tell us what you do
South Staffs Water has a range of extra help services available for our customers; one example is the Assure tariff, a new easy way for eligible customers to reduce their water charges by up to 80%.

Assure can help customers on low incomes, or struggling to pay their water charges by making bills more affordable.  Customers with an annual household income of less than £16,105 (excluding income from Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance) may qualify for a discount of 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% on their water bill.  We’ll also arrange for the discount to be applied to sewerage charges.

Application forms are available on our website www.south-staffs-water.co.uk or call 0800 0930570, and we’ll arrange to send one in the post.  If customers have difficulties filling in the form, we can arrange for a Home Visit Officer to visit and help fill in the form.

South Staffs Water works with a variety of organisations in order to raise awareness of Assure in the communities.

What is your proudest achievement?
Assure is a new scheme and it’s helped over 6200 people obtain a discount on their water charges since it started, and over 13000 customers are receiving extra help services.

We’re really proud of our Home Visit Service designed to help customers who may have difficulty filling in forms.  We’ve also been able to help customers in other areas, one example being whilst the application for Assure was being completed the Home Visit Officer noticed that the customer was still paying for a TV licence despite being of an age not to.  The Home Visit Officer helped the customer contact TV Licensing and received a backdated refund amounting to over £700.

What is your experience of support received from SCVO?
South Staffs Water has attended a breakfast meeting, and this was a great way to meet local organisations and share experiences.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
Sandwell is a very proud and diverse community, sharing a wide range of languages, cultures and ideas; but with a passion and motivation to help others.

What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
South Staffs Water want to continue working with communities to find those people who would benefit from their extra services and to keep re-evaluating what ‘s working and what can be improved.

How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
By signposting organisations and individuals to the extra help services including Assure.

For more information about Assure, for leaflets or presentation to your organisation please contact Amanda at South Staffs Water amandabruce@south-staffs-water.co.uk