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Severn Trent Big Difference Scheme

How to check Severn Trent’s Big Difference Scheme, prepare household information and compare it with other water-bill support.

Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance

In brief

The Big Difference Scheme is Severn Trent’s social-tariff route for eligible households struggling with water charges. The live discount, income test, application process and review period can change, so use Severn Trent’s current page rather than an old percentage quoted elsewhere.

Before applying, confirm that Severn Trent is the bill provider and gather household income, benefits and people living at the address. If the account also has arrears, high essential water use or a meter concern, ask about those separately because one scheme may not solve the full bill.

Check whose name and supply are on the bill

The applicant normally needs the account details for the property. If water and sewerage are supplied by different companies, identify which charge Severn Trent controls. Tenants whose water is included in rent may need a different route through the landlord.

Prepare the affordability information

Use current net household income and benefit evidence requested by the scheme. Note recent changes, dependants and whether anyone has disability-related water needs. Give accurate figures rather than excluding income because it is irregular.

Ask about the complete support package

Alongside Big Difference, ask whether WaterSure, a meter assessment, payment plan, arrears scheme, payment break or Priority Services support is relevant. WaterSure has separate eligibility rules and is designed for some metered households with high essential use.

Understand review and renewal

Ask when the reduced charge begins, how long it lasts, whether arrears remain payable and what evidence is needed at review. Keep the award message and continue agreed payments unless Severn Trent confirms otherwise.

Ask Severn Trent for an affordability review

Use with the billing-support team.

I am a Severn Trent customer and the current water charge is unaffordable. Household net income is approximately £[amount] with [number] people at the address. Please check the current Big Difference Scheme criteria and also tell me whether WaterSure, metering, arrears support or Priority Services would help. Please confirm the new charge, start date, review date and treatment of existing arrears in writing.

A practical checklist

  • Confirm Severn Trent is the relevant bill provider.
  • Gather current household income evidence.
  • Check Big Difference and WaterSure separately.
  • Record the award period and arrears arrangement.

Check the current information

These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.

Severn Trent help with paying your bill The provider’s current tariffs, payment help and application routes.

stwater.co.uk

Open official information
Help with water bills and WaterSure — Ofwat

ofwat.gov.uk

Open official information
Independent water-bill help — Consumer Council for Water Independent guidance if you need to compare available support or challenge a problem.

ccw.org.uk

Open official information
Housing and local services

gov.uk

Open official information

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Priority bills: what to pay first when there is not enough moneyHow to prioritise bills by legal and household consequence when income cannot cover everything—and what to say to the creditors who must wait.Disabled Facilities Grant and home adaptationsHow Disabled Facilities Grants work, what an occupational therapist assesses, and why work should not begin before approval.Rent arrears: first steps before panic takes overThe first actions when rent is late or unaffordable, from checking the balance to responding to a possession notice.

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