Single Person Water Discount

Merlinexcalibur

Seems very unfair, you get a 25% discount on your Council Tax if you live alone and the same should apply to water rates.

Don't want to start anything but when has a utility company ever acted fairly in the UK? And yes, I fully agree, that there should be a discount just like council tax. It's always seemed discriminatory to me that discounts don't exist regardless of what property you live in. To me that is charging on the size of the property NOT what you actually use. Can't be right, surely?

medders2604

Having looked a bit more it does seem to be because I can't have a water meter fitted due to the placing of the pipes or some other reason they never explained fully. Seems that UU have only just decided that me paying the same as the house next door that has 5 adults in it is not fair as I obviously don't use the same amount of water as them.
Would be nice if they backdated but at least its a saving next year I just want to know how much now will call them on Monday and find out.

Merlinexcalibur

I am very very intrigued now. I'm having problems with UU right now and this would help me greatly in the coming financial year if I can benefit from it.

Cardew

Merlinexcalibur wrote: »

Don't want to start anything but when has a utility company ever acted fairly in the UK? And yes, I fully agree, that there should be a discount just like council tax. It's always seemed discriminatory to me that discounts don't exist regardless of what property you live in. To me that is charging on the size of the property NOT what you actually use. Can't be right, surely?

There is surely no justification for a single person living alone to get any discount if they have a meter; you simply pay for what you use.

Like electricity and gas, you also pay for what you use, and there is no case for a 25% reduction.

If they are assessed on Rateable Value and don't like the charges - then get a meter fitted.

It is only when a meter cannot be fitted does it make sense to have an assessed charge reduction for a single person.

Incidentally water companies are far more tightly regulated than the gas/electricity companies. Their regulations they work to are laid down in the Water Privatisation Act, their charges and profits are controlled by the Regulator.

Colin_London

At a guess, a meter would probably still work out cheaper than an 'assessed payment'.

Our water company recently produced a table which showed the quantities they assumed would be consumed by a two person household (it was some sort of water saving promotion). Our usage was off the bottom of their scale range for an 'economical household usage' (and yes we do wash!).

ianjohnson80

I can confirm to everyone that this single occupier tariff is only for people who live alone and are unable to have a water meter installed.

You have to apply for a meter first and only if UU can not install the meter will this be offered.

You also have to sign and agree that you live alone. if UU find that you have lied or not informed them of a change you are putting yourself inline for some court trouble.

This is a positive move from UU and the reason why it is not on the website or advertised through the media is that the change only takes place in April and they have only sent letter to people that have applied for a meter and been unable to have on installed.

bengee1977

I have just received a letter aswell (i am on assessed charge). This has me thinking, what if i just lie and say i'm the only person here? How will they find out?

Cardew

bengee1977 wrote: »

I have just received a letter aswell (i am on assessed charge). This has me thinking, what if i just lie and say i'm the only person here? How will they find out?

Well you can also lie for your council tax and get a 25% reduction!!

I suspect that in running a Money Saving Website it was not Martin's itent to advise on how to save money by deception.

It would be very easy for them to find out if they checked up. Electoral roll? Council Tax, Ask neighbours, call at your house etc.

No idea if they will check up or take legal action, although I hope they would.

ianjohnson80

The reason why they have asked you to sign for that fact that only 1 person lives at the property is so if they find out that you have lied they will take action against you to recover the charges and costs etc.

As big Clint said........
"You`ve got to ask yourself one question: `Do I feel lucky?` Well, do ya punk?"
:beer: