United Utilities water plc not in the real world

Manley10

Hi all
I have a problum with United Utilities back in March they sent me my bill for the years water which has up yet again and in that bill I could pay in installments one in April and one in October it also stated that if it was half payed on or before the 1st of April you would have to pay the full amount. I payed half the amount on the 5th of May, United Utilities have sent me a letter from there debt collectors for the remaining sum. I do not have that money at the moment but would pay them there money in October however they say no and want it now, they have offerd to set up a installment plan. I work in the civil service and now not had a wage rise in 3 years as we are in a wage freeze and our jobs are at risk as we are in a period of reduncey soon to be compulsory which will reduce the work force by 50% so not a lot of hope for keeping my job not only this but as you all know eveything has gone up and going even higher there is no spare money and I do not know which way to turn so I have said no and said take me to court might have been a mistake but as I see it.

1, I have told them I will pay the second installment in October
2, I have payed the first installment and they have the money
3, I pay for my gas, electric, after I have used it
4, I am in thory I am in credit untill October when the second installment is due.
5, In nothing I can think of I pay for a year in advance for.

So am I wright in this or if I go to court I would not win and end up paying the extra £100 costs which I cannot afford. Any helpfull advice would help mybe a comment from Martin could be usfull but not likely!

many thanks for reading this
Manley10

mcc100

How much is your yearly bill and how many people live in your property?

It may be worth considering having a water meter fitted. One benefit other than possible lower bills is that you can pay for your water after you have used it ...... as with your gas and electric .....

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

You are liable to pay for water, 12 months in advance, in April. They make a concession that you can pay half in April and the other half in October; or you can set up a Direct Debit to pay monthly.

Without being unkind it doesn't matter if you think it is fair or not that we are liable to pay 12 months in advance - that is the law and you are not 'in credit'.

If you cannot think of anything you pay for a year in advance, how about TV licence, car insurance, council tax, Road fund licence etc.

I assume that, as you didn't pay your bill on time, they are playing 'hard ball' and insisting that you either pay by installments or the annual charge immediately.

If you don't pay up, or persuade them to accept an October payment, they will simply pass the case to a Debt Collection Agency(DCA) and that will cost you extra money for their fees and ruin your credit record. If it goes to court you will lose!!!!

I would strongly advise you to settle quickly before everything gets passed to a DCA.

Gothicfairy

As Cardew say's, the bills falls due on 1st April and if not paid in time it becomes a debt..You missed the payment date by a month and as such you are now in debt to them and the right to pay your bill in parts has been removed.
If it goes to court you will lose and end up with either a CCJ or having to pay it all.

Also the fact you have a job is more then a lot so pay rise or not we all have to pay these bills.

Can't see a comment from Martin as to be honest there is nothing much to say, I am afraid the water company are doing what they can to reclaim the debt owed to them and that is all above board and legal so to speak.

To be quite honest, your best bet would be to call them and set up a payment plan as they have offered which is more then they have to do.