Project Director: Aimee Ambrose
Project Duration: 2020-2021

In November 2020, the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) were commissioned by the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to conduct an evidence review of approaches to affordability support (including their nature, delivery mechanisms and approaches to engaging vulnerable and hard to reach customers) across a range of essential service sectors. The purpose of this project is to help inform a broader review of affordability assistance underway across the water sector (in England and Wales) by identifying good practice from other key sectors (including energy, health, housing and advice) and assessing the extent to which they may be transferable to the water sector in order to improve policy and practice in relation to affordability support. As part of the commission, particular emphasis was placed on identifying good practice and lessons relevant to the engagement of vulnerable and hard to reach households in affordability support aimed at avoiding or alleviating water poverty.

The project team also includes Sam Ramsden (independent consultant) and Beth Speake.