Struggling with your water supply? You might qualify for up to £2,000 in compensation
In a significant move to improve customer service and accountability, the Guaranteed Service Standard (GSS) Scheme in the UK has undergone a major overhaul. The changes, effective from July 2025, aim to enhance compensation payments to better reflect inflation and the inconvenience caused by service failures [1][2].
One of the most notable changes concerns low water pressure issues. Customers experiencing consistent low water pressure can now receive up to £250 in compensation, a significant uplift from the previous rate of just £25 [1][2]. For intermittent low water pressure, customers are eligible for £50 in compensation, up to five times a year [1]. These payments will be automatically credited to eligible customers’ accounts if their water company fails to resolve the problem within specified timescales [1][2].
Other improvements include a rise in compensation for appointments not made properly or cancelled, from £20 to £40 for the former and from £20 to £50 for the latter [1]. Additionally, if less than 48 hours' notice is given for a planned supply interruption of more than four hours, compensation will be due of £50, up from £20 [1].
The new standards also cover the timely restoration of water supply following an interruption and managing the risk of sewer flooding [3]. Furthermore, the government is working with water companies to expand the list of circumstances that will trigger compensation payments [3].
The Guaranteed Service Standard Scheme's compensation rates have increased for the first time in 25 years, aligning with inflation [2]. Severe issues such as flooding will see customer compensation double from £1,000 to up to £2,000 [2].
It's important to note that polluting water bosses who cover up their crimes now face two-year prison sentences [4]. The government is also taking action to cut sewage spills and attract investment in the sector, including strengthening regulation [5].
For a comprehensive list of reasons water companies will have to pay compensation, customers are advised to visit the government's website [3]. This move towards increased transparency and accountability is expected to lead to improved water services for customers across the UK.
| Issue | Compensation Amount | |---------------------------|-----------------------------| | Consistent low water pressure | Up to £250 (automatic) | | Intermittent low water pressure | £50 per incident, up to 5 times/year |
[1] BBC News, "Water firms to pay more for poor service", 1 July 2025, www.bbc.co.uk/news
[2] The Guardian, "Water firms face bigger fines for poor service", 1 July 2025, www.theguardian.com
[3] GOV.UK, "Guaranteed Service Standard Scheme", 1 July 2025, www.gov.uk/government/publications
[4] The Telegraph, "Water bosses face prison for polluting", 1 June 2025, www.telegraph.co.uk
[5] The Times, "Government to tackle sewage spills", 15 May 2025, www.thetimes.co.uk
In the Guaranteed Service Standard (GSS) Scheme overhaul, personal-finance compensation for customers has been enhanced, with those experiencing consistent low water pressure eligible for up to £250, a notable increase from the previous rate of £25 [1]. Additionally, in the realm of personal-finance, customers who experience intermittent low water pressure can receive £50 in compensation, up to five times a year [1].
