Defra announces tenfold increase in water company compensation payments
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced changes to the Guaranteed Service Standard (GSS) scheme, increasing water company compensation payments by up to tenfold. Customers will now automatically receive higher payments for issues such as persistent low water pressure and cancelled appointments. Under the updated GSS scheme, maximum compensation for sewer flooding will rise from £1,000 to £2,000, while households experiencing persistent low water pressure will be eligible for up to £250, up from £25. Defra is also collaborating with water companies to expand the list of compensable issues to include failures to conduct meter readings and installations. All payments will be automatically credited to customer accounts. These changes represent the first update to compensation rates in 25 years. Defra also confirmed that compensation for customers required to boil their water due to contamination is expected to be introduced later in 2025.