Welfare Together is proud to announce a new partnership with Northumbrian Water aimed at helping more customers access the company’s social tariff scheme and reduce their water bills.

The collaboration will see Welfare Together act as a referral partner, making customers aware of the support available through Northumbrian Water’s social tariff and helping to connect eligible individuals to the scheme where additional assistance is needed.

While Welfare Together will not be providing in-depth support or completing applications on behalf of customers at this stage, the organisation will play an important role in raising awareness of the assistance available. Customers will also be encouraged and supported to apply directly themselves where appropriate, ensuring they can quickly access help tailored to their circumstances.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring financial support reaches those who need it most, particularly as households continue to face cost of living pressures.

Tracey Stone, Director of Welfare Together, said:

“Many people are unaware that their water supplier may offer financial support through social tariffs and other affordability schemes. By working with Northumbrian Water, we can help raise awareness of the support available and ensure customers know where to turn for assistance, whether that means applying directly or being referred through our team.”

Gemma Hart, Stakeholder Engagement Ambassador at Northumbrian Water Group, added:

“We know that some customers can find it difficult to navigate the support options available to them, particularly when they’re already dealing with financial pressures. Working with Welfare Together will help us reach more people who could benefit from our social tariff scheme, while ensuring customers are aware that they can apply directly themselves if they wish. It’s about making support more visible, accessible and easier to access for those who need it.”

The social tariff scheme is designed to help eligible customers who may be struggling with their water charges by providing reduced bills and greater financial stability.

This new initiative forms part of Welfare Together’s wider mission to connect people with practical support and improve access to services that can make a meaningful difference to financial wellbeing.

This article by Tracey Stone, Director of Welfare Together, was published in the Autumn 2026 edition of Enforcement News.

Early intervention has always been good practice, but with new council tax reforms arriving in April it becomes essential. The reforms place clearer expectations on how councils engage with residents, how vulnerability is identified and supported, and how recovery pathways are managed. For Revenues teams, the message is direct: earlier, more proactive engagement will be critical to both customer outcomes and collection performance.

Early engagement drives better conversations

When customers are contacted early in the process, they are far more likely to respond, share information and work with the council or other creditor. At this stage, people are not yet overwhelmed or disengaged. They are more open to discussing their circumstances, understanding their bill and exploring solutions. This early window is where trust is built, and where creditors can prevent cases from escalating into crisis.

Vulnerability support becomes meaningful

The reforms strengthen expectations around how vulnerable households are treated. But vulnerability is often hidden until someone feels safe enough to disclose it. Early, human‑centred conversations create that safety. This is where councils and other creditors can identify mental health challenges, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement or sudden income shocks; and act proportionately. Early intervention ensures support is timely rather than reactive.

Better support leads to better collection

Early intervention is not just about welfare; it directly improves collection figures. When residents understand their bill, access the right discounts and stabilise their finances, sustainable repayment becomes possible. Councils see fewer escalations, fewer enforcement referrals and fewer costly interventions. Early engagement reduces avoidable demand and strengthens long‑term recovery.

Preparation needs to start now

The reforms will expose gaps quickly. Councils that invest in early intervention models, including specialist welfare support, will be better placed to meet new expectations, protect vulnerable households and improve collection performance.

Early intervention isn’t a nice‑to‑have. It’s now central to modern, fair and effective recovery and enforcement.

Welfare Together founder and director Tracey Stone has been shortlisted as the Vulnerability Leader of the Year at the Women and Diversity in Credit Awards 2026, recognising her outstanding commitment to supporting customers and driving positive change across the financial wellbeing sector.

The shortlist celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in identifying, understanding and addressing customer vulnerability, while championing inclusive and compassionate practices. Tracey Stone’s nomination reflects her dedication to ensuring people facing financial hardship, health challenges and other life difficulties receive the support and guidance they need.

Tracey said:

“This nomination reflects the passion and commitment of the entire Welfare Together team. Every day, we work to ensure people are treated with dignity, understanding and respect, particularly during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.”

The Women and Diversity in Credit Awards is among the credit and financial services sector’s leading celebrations of achievement, recognising organisations and individuals who are helping to drive diversity, inclusion and excellence across the industry.

The winners of the Women and Diversity in Credit Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony later this year, where industry leaders from across the UK will come together to celebrate innovation, inclusion and best practice.

Tracey has also been shortlisted in the UK Women’s Business Awards and will now compete for a place in the National Top 10 at the Grand Final.