Plans to cut water bills for low-income families submitted

Proposals to ease the cost of water charges for low-income households are being considered by ministers just days ahead of the announcement of the charging regime for homes.

The final charges for households, as well as allowances and discounts for some homes, are now not expected to be revealed until the last minute, just before they are applied.

The trade-union backed Nevin Economic Research Institute has submitted plans to ministers with a menu of options to reduce charges for the lowest-income families.