Martin Lewis has urged households who pay water bills to check they aren’t paying too much.

The Money Saving Expert told viewers of the The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV that people may be able to cut their bills.

On the show, he told people to contact their water company and make sure they are not paying more than they need to be.

Unlike gas and electricity bills, there is no way to switch your water provider, but there are still ways you can bring your water bill down.

Ayr Advertiser:

Martin told his viewers: “Many people who live in flats can’t get a water meter, it’s called ‘not practicable’ to have a water meter fitted, in which case you can ask for an ‘assessed charge’.

“That’s where they work out how much you would pay if you were on a water meter, even though you can’t have on, and you’re charged that rather than the water rates.

“Do you have more or the same number of people as bedrooms in your home? If the answer is no, a water meter may save you money in England and Wales. Two people, three bedrooms.

“Why would that be better on a water meter? Because water rates are based on the rateable value of your house, which is a proxy for the value of your house.

"You've got this big old house here so they'll be charging you a lot, but there's only two people here so they won't be using that much.

“Water meters measure your water usage and your sewage, so that will probably be cheaper.

“This can be hundreds of pounds. Now if you have a voluntary change, you usually have two years that you can switch back to water rates if a water meter isn't working for you.

"If you're disabled or you've got related medical issues that mean you need to use a lot of water or you're on benefits, speak to your energy firm. There's often, but not always, help available to you."