believe housing has helped more than 3,000 customers to reduce their water bills – together saving them more than £400,000.
The Tenancy Sustainment Team at believe housing works with Northumbrian Water to support eligible customers who are on a low income to get a discounted tariff. This can reduce their water bill by up to 50%.
In late 2022 believe housing and Northumbrian Water teamed up for a pilot project, in response to the cost-of-living crisis, so customers who were in arrears or seeking financial support could receive help from both at the same time.
In six weeks that project led to savings of more than £117,000 for 1,000 believe housing tenants.
The partnership has gone on to support 3,093 customers, with savings totalling £416,011, and will continue to ease the money worries of many more in the future.
Some tenants, such as those in receipt of Pension Credit, are now automatically enrolled for the discount each year.
And the housing association’s Income Team, which manages rents, will also help customers to access the support they need.
Ian Porter, Director of Neighbourhoods and Customer Experience at believe housing, said: “We know many customers continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, and that the support we provide can make a positive difference to both their financial and mental wellbeing.
“That makes partnerships, such as the one with Northumbrian Water, vital.
“Our Tenancy Sustainment Team offers bespoke, confidential support to customers from managing household bills to applying for benefits and we have a range of other support services available to people in our homes.
“Anyone who wants help should get in touch.”
Households can check if they are eligible to access discounted water rates by visiting www.nwl.co.uk/bill-help. And people with specific needs or vulnerabilities can sign up to Northumbrian Water’s free priority services register for extra support, when they need it, at https://www.nwl.co.uk/priorityservices.
If you are a believe housing customer, find out about the support it offers on the website www.believehousing.co.uk, by calling 0300 1311 999 or emailing hello@believehousing.co.uk.
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