York researchers probe ‘water poverty’ rise
Posted on 16 April 2009
People already living on tight budgets have seen the annual average household bill for water and sewerage in Yorkshire go up from around £243 in 2004-5 to £300 in 2007-8.
The research team would like to talk to local people about how they balance the different demands on their finances
Dr Carolyn Snell
Researchers in the Department of Social Policy & Social Work at the University of York are conducting a pilot study into how the impact of increased costs has affected the lives of people living in the York area.
Lead researcher Carolyn Snell, a lecturer in Social Policy, said: “The research team would like to talk to local people about how they balance the different demands on their finances, especially how they juggle paying for water and fuel bills alongside other expenses.
“We would particularly like to talk to anyone over 18 with a household income below £15,000, who is struggling to pay their water or fuel bills.”
If you would like to take part in the research, you can contact the research team by email on gm544@york.ac.uk, by phone on 07905 320382, or by post to Water and Fuel Project, Department of Social Policy, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Department of Social Policy at York is one of the largest centres of social research in Europe - with two dedicated research units and five core research groups producing high quality policy relevant research. More information at http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/spsw/