Water Meter and Ulcerative Colitis

ManBearPig

Within the next 6 weeks I'm about to move into a new home with my father that has a water meter, however, I have a chronic illness called Ulcerative Colitis, which in layman terms means I have to use the toilet and shower facilities considerably more often than a normal person.

I live in south-east Wales, and according to Welsh Water, anybody with Ulcerative Colitis living at the address is eligible to have the water rate capped via a scheme called WaterSure Wales. The problem is this only seems to be available if you are claiming certain benefits and have a chronic illness.

Though I'm not working at the present moment due to my illness, I am not not claiming any benefits, nor do I intend to any time soon.

Welsh Water via their live messaging system basically told me that it isn't available to anybody who isn't on certain benefits, regardless if you have a chronic illness that requires the use of more water.

Does anybody with Ulcerative Colitis or another chronic illness that requires you to use more water than normal have any experience with this?

It just seems so odd that you're not entitled to something that is supposed to be there to help people with illnesses, just because you're not taking money from the tax pot.

http://www.dwrcymru.com/en/My-Account/Help-Paying-My-Bill/WaterSure-Wales.aspx

Thanks in advance.

Cardew

With this type of 'unusual' case I would go straight to The consumer Council for Water - and they will take it up with Welsh Water if there is any chance of it being paid.

http://www.ccwater.org.uk/

The Consumer Council for Water is the independent representative of household and business water consumers in England and Wales. - See more at: http://www.ccwater.org.uk/#sthash.aOoif5Sg.dpuf

phsci

I don’t think you’ll get very far, even with the help of the Consumer Council for Water. The WaterSure scheme, which ensures the bills of those eligible will be capped at the average household water bill, uses the same criteria throughout England no matter which company supplies the water services. Though operating in Wales, both Welsh Water Dŵr Cymru and Dee Valley Water have adopted similar schemes.
http://ccwater.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/406/session/L3RpbWUvMTQ4NTYxNzYxOC9zaWQveS1BUldQOW4=
http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/customer-assistance/watersure/