live alone?! SINGLE PERSON DISCOUNTED WATER RATES

jsim21

I live alone in a 2 bed flat. i recieve no benfits/tax credits only single persons council tax. the water to my property is supplied by seven trent..
I got my annual water rates last month through and was going to be charged £375 for the year march 2010- april 2011.

i had previously thought about getting a water meter fitted and enquired early 2009, but i could see myself the stopcock wasnt in a great position so didnt want to waste seven trents time by them sending somebody out!


however when i rang a few weeks ago to clarify the above amount they recmommned i get a water meter fitted to save money i explained this would not be possible and this is when they informed me of the single occupancy discount- if fitting a meter was not possible.. so they sent a surveyor out confirming my flat was unsuitable for a meter. so now the rate is capped at £199 (standard for flat/terraced) per yr saving me £175 per yr!

the scheme started in april 2009. i am currently awaiting a response from seven trent wether or not i'll be able to get this back dated--apparently not from my initial phonecall but if they dont let you know they offer a service how are supposed to sign up for it!?!?

hope this helps anyone, worth giving your provider a ring!!

Gothicfairy

Assessed only works when someone has applied for a meter and a inspector comes out, I don't think you will get anything backdated as you did not apply for a meter and did not get the inspector to visit so it will be taken from the application.

It is NEVER a waste of time getting someone out to see if a meter can be fitted as that is the only way you will be able to get assessed.

Also assessed charges are not advertised as really OFWAT and the government want everyone on a water meter and assessed is then the only option if one can not be fitted.