What informed the Government’s approach towards the free allowance, affordability supports and its other decisions for water charges?
The Government has sought, through its decisions on the free allowance, to protect larger families and households with single occupants, groups identified through work by an inter-Departmental group (IDG) on affordability measures issues as being potentially vulnerable. These groups and people with high water usage due to medical conditions were also identified by the community and voluntary pillar of social partnership, which engaged with the IDG. The IDG will continue to work to oversee the practical administrative arrangements for the free allowance.