In England and Wales, over 250,000 households sought help with water bills last year, raising the total to a record 1.6 million. Despite water companies spending nearly £259 million on social tariffs to assist low-income families, support varies widely across regions. Average reductions range from £287 for Welsh Water customers to just £110 for Southern Water clients. The Consumer Council for Water urges a unified approach to ensure equitable assistance, noting current disparities create a ‘postcode lottery’ that leaves many without adequate support. The government plans to evaluate solutions through an upcoming commission.