water meter query--or lack of meter!

de1amo

İ have an appartment in Bournemouth and it is unmetered--i live abroad and pay my water and sewage in with the block fees--i am a bit remote from the place but the last time i heard about this subject it was at an impass--we manage the freehold as a community and it has a commity--we want meters as a block and the waterboard(of which i presume is west hants) want a huge fee for installation--it would save me virtually 12months of charge and most of the block are simularly looking to save but refuse to be ripped off---the installation looks simple because each flat's water is individual and the manhole is neat and easy accessed--any thoughts

Cardew

If meters cannot be fitted to their apartment, an individual can get an assessed charge - an average metered charge.

de1amo

by what i know there is no problem installing the meters it is just the huge cost--what is the normal fee for installation for a freehold block where everyone wants metering?--i am uncertain of the amount they quoted and would have to check with the commity.
i was also reading somewhere that it said that all customers should be given the right to have meters-(-free?????)
back to your premise--how does assesed charging work if no meter is fitted--if i say 'i dont live there -so the fees are reduced!!!- however,the water is paid en block as a charge within the service charge for 12 flats---my reduction would be divided by 12??

PasturesNew

I had a meter fitted in a flat, the man turned up with a small meter, opened the cupboard under the sink and fitted it inline as that is where the water came into the flat. It took him no more than 10 minutes. No charge. Welsh Water.

My bills more than halved immediately.

JasX

yes have you tried approching them as an individual rather than as a group?

Cardew

All householders are entitled to have a meter fitted free. So apply individually for each flat.

If it cannot be fitted, then you get an assessed charge based on an average meter spend.

That average is calculated in different ways by the various companies - some on no of bedrooms, others by no of occupants. Some have a special rate for single occupants.

buglawton

Where I am in zone where the water co seems to be reluctant to fit meters if there are any technical issues whatsoever. I share a outdoor stopcock with a neighbour for instance. Also we are not in an area where compulsory fitting of meter comes with a change of property ownership.

Thinking of asking for a meter and if they refuse, asking for a reduction in our £400 water bill/year (2/3 persons in a normal sized semi).

Cardew

buglawton wrote: »

Where I am in zone where the water co seems to be reluctant to fit meters if there are any technical issues whatsoever. I share a outdoor stopcock with a neighbour for instance. Also we are not in an area where compulsory fitting of meter comes with a change of property ownership.

Thinking of asking for a meter and if they refuse, asking for a reduction in our £400 water bill/year (2/3 persons in a normal sized semi).

If you are with Thames water you will not pay more than £284 on an assessed household charge.

http://www.thameswater.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/corp/hs.xsl/568.htm

buglawton

Applying for it now...

de1amo

many thanks i will get onto the commity in the block and report back--