MPs hear that some water companies are asking customers who are vulnerable to provide “equivalised income,” a term that has caused confusion. Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, tells the Public Accounts Committee that he still does not understand what the term means. The issue is raised in the context of how water firms determine eligibility and support for customers considered vulnerable. MPs question whether the wording and process used by water companies are clear enough for people who may struggle to understand or calculate their household income in the way the term implies. The evidence highlights concerns about transparency and accessibility in how firms collect information that may affect access to help or discounts. While the reports focus on the confusion around the term itself, they also underline a broader scrutiny of the guidance and administrative steps used by water providers when dealing with vulnerable households. The committee discussion centers on whether customers are given understandable instructions and whether the measure is explained in plain language.