Penny French  on  07776 245726

From our  Village Agent:-

Helping older people in Gloucestershire have a better quality of life - working with the over 50s, providing easy access to a wide range of information that will enable them to make informed choices about their present and future needs.

Village Agent News

We know that Severn Trent Water supply water to our homes but I have recently learnt about how they help in other ways.

•  There is Watersure. This is a national scheme to make sure low-income customers don’t cut back on how much water they use because they are worried about how they will pay their bill. People are eligible if there are 3 or more children under 19 in the household or, if there is an individual in the household who has a medical condition that increases water usage AND the family is in receipt of means tested benefits (including pension credit).
• Water Direct is a government scheme aimed at assisting those who are unable to budget or are struggling to pay their bills, and therefore are getting into arrears. This relates to customers who already have arrears of £50.00 or more and who are in receipt of particular benefits. Deductions are taken at source and paid directly to STW.
• Personalised Service. The “priority service register” exists to ensure that, if there is a supply issue, they can identify and give extra support to those customers who need it. This includes people who have a medical condition, mobility needs, a visual impairment, a mental health condition or have a temporary need. Registered customers will receive priority notification of planned work, priority notification in case of any emergency and an alternative water supply where needed. Anyone who needs to register for the service can do so by phoning 0800 085 4986 or online at http://priority.stwater.co.uk
• There is a range of services that might make life a bit easier for some people, for example, alternative formats for bills etc. to help those with particular needs like colour blindness, dyslexia , braille and large print . Or contact can be arranged to be by BT-text, email or audio.
• Password Protection. This is my personal favourite in a society where we hear so often of bogus callers. A customer can set up a password. It works like this: if someone knocks on your door saying that they are from Severn Trent Water they will know your personal password. If he doesn’t know it, then he is not from Severn Trent.
• Water Efficiency Products. These are some free water saving gadgets that you can send away for. I gave this a try and the items arrived very promptly. On offer are a range of items such as water saving crystals, shower timer and a shower save regulator.

To find out more about the above call freephone 0800 085 4986 or go to www.stwater.co.uk   

Should anyone be with a different water company it would be worthwhile contacting them as they will probably offer similar services, or let me know and I will help with any query.

Penny French. Tel: 07776 245 726.

Email: pennyf@villageagent.grcc.org.uk