Water companies in England and Wales are being issued guidance by the government to allow them to charge lower prices for the poorest customers. Ministers want to see "social tariffs" based on ability to pay, as part of a broader drive to reduce utility bills. An estimated 2.4 million households have trouble paying their water bills, which cost an average of £376 a year. Water companies will be asked to select the customers who are most at risk and offer them a discount. They are currently bound by regulator Ofwat's licensing conditions which means they cannot cut bills without contravening the law....Read more here: BBC News - Water bills