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<p>a) Energy policy is the responsibility of the Department for Business, Energy,
and Industrial Strategy.</p><p> </p><p>b) The Government’s November 2017 ‘Strategic
policy statement to Ofwat’, the economic regulator for the water industry, challenged
the water industry to do more for vulnerable customers in England, including older
people. In Ofwat’s Price Review 2019 process in which water companies set out their
business plans for 2020-25, Ofwat required companies to set out in their business
plans how they would better identify and support those customers who need financial
help. Work on the plans is ongoing.</p><p> </p><p>Current support includes the Government
mandated WaterSure scheme which enables water companies to cap bills for eligible
low income customers using a lot of water for essential family or health reasons.
All water companies also offer schemes, known as social tariffs, for eligible customers
on low incomes or receiving specific benefits. Approximately 400,000 household customers
currently benefit from such water bill support schemes.</p><p> </p><p>Legislative
powers recently put in place in the Digital Economy Act 2017 allow data sharing between
water companies and other organisations, including Government departments such as
the Department for Work and Pensions. This will help companies identify and consequently
provide support to more customers who may need help with their bills.</p>
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