Backdated Water Charges

susieq69

Hi, I don't know if anyone can help with a problem that I am going through at the moment. I moved into a housing association shelterd housing flat in September 2008. The whole building had been refurbished in 2007 amd no water meters or gas meters fitted. We have been paying set amounts for gas since we moved in. The problem is that some people received water bills and some didn't. Since the building reopened the warden and tenants have been asking United Utilities to sort this problem out.
United Utilities have now come back to us with bills telling us that we have to pay 3 years repayments because we have not had bills. I thought that utility companies could only charge back 1 years repayments if the fault was on their side. Am I right about this or can the charge for 3 years even though they have dragged it out all this time. I would appreciate any advice on this subject.

macman

The 12m back billing rule does not apply to water utilities.

BackOnTrack

Yep water companies can charge upto 6 years back I believe.

Cardew

Yes they can claim back 6 years.

However given that United Utilities appear to be at fault, it may be a good idea for someone(the warden?) to contact the Consumer Council for Water and take up the matter with UU on behalf of the residents - http://www.ccwater.org.uk/

You may get a goodwill reduction!

JR87

any water company can back charge upto a maximum of 3 years whether the fault is there own or not (statute of limitations).

however with united utilities if it was there fault they will allow u a further 3 years to repay the arrears as well as any ongoing charges.

Gothicfairy

JR87 wrote: »

any water company can back charge upto a maximum of 3 years whether the fault is there own or not (statute of limitations).

however with united utilities if it was there fault they will allow u a further 3 years to repay the arrears as well as any ongoing charges.

This is just not true (unless the ruling has changed in the last 7 months that is), they can back bill as far as they like but only claim for 6 years through the courts.

JR87

united utilities will not back date a bill anymore then 3 years

mcc100

JR87 wrote: »

any water company can back charge upto a maximum of 3 years whether the fault is there own or not (statute of limitations).

however with united utilities if it was there fault they will allow u a further 3 years to repay the arrears as well as any ongoing charges.

JR87 ......I realise that you are trying to be helpful but you are making statements which are factually incorrect and so are not helpful to posters asking for advice.

Gothicfairy

JR87 wrote: »

united utilities will not back date a bill anymore then 3 years

UU might not but others do and can. It is not true to say " any water company can back charge upto a maximum of 3 years whether the fault is there own or not (statute of limitations)"

Unless something has changed and if that is the case then please do post up a link or something as it would be good news for people if the amount of time has been halved.

hippiegal

UU will backcharge max 3 years for domestic customers & 6 years for commercial customers.