The big Difference Scheme, Not fit for purpose

Just_2Tired_2_Dance

Im not sure if you have heard of The Big Difference Scheme from Severn Trent, I thought it was to help people that were on low incomes and struggling with their bills, That's what it advertises But to me its not fit for purpose. 

My annual bill was about £105, Not much I know im a low user in a small 1 bed flat And I was paying about £8.65 a month, because of financial reasons I fell behind in my payments, and built up a debt

I applied to join the scheme and was accepted Suddenly my monthly payments went up to £15.94 a month I questioned this by speaking to on of their agents and was told this, 

You have qualified for a 70% discount off the average water bill (£437.51) and from this you are required to pay £15.94 each month, with £5 a month going towards your arrears. These monthly payments will continue until 15 Jun 2025. In May 2025 you will receive a renewal notice and if you wish you can reapply.

I asked them why isn't the 70% taken from my annual bill and they said they cant do it on individual bills

 I was also told 

When you're on a monthly payment plan the payments are set to intentionally build you into a credit to cover the next bill, based on your usage

I mean I was struggling with paying £8.65 a month and now they are expecting me to pay £15.94 a month and

Why do they offer a 70% discount when it doesn't seem to apply to me 

About 5 times in the chat they asked me if I just wanted to be taken off the scheme maybe they know its not fit for purpose 

I dont know whether to stay on the scheme or not,  It says its to help people struggling but in my situation it doesn't seem to be helping

Yamenja

Totally agree. I was on it last year, paying £28.76, which probably wasn't any kind of saving but did mean I could be generous with water use without added cost. They say they have increased their prices by 22% this year, but automatically continued me on the scheme for another year without telling me the cost, then put it up to £40.83, when a 22% increase would have made it £35.11. I'm not great at maths, but either way they are abusing the idea of the scheme. I think the Ombudsman should be looking at it. 

freesha

It's because it is a % discount off the average HH bill, not yours specifically. Some will benefit, others won't.