Thames Water - Massive bill error pay-out...

mart.vader

Do you mean that they can cut off the supply to a commercial property, and then hurriedly reconnect when they are advised that they have illegally disconnected a domestic property? Yes, that sounds about right.

Edit: The following is from the National Debtline Fact sheet:

http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=23_water_rates_new_rules

"YOU CANNOT BE DISCONNECTED FOR WATER RATES DEBTS

Water companies can no longer disconnect your domestic water supply if you are in arrears. The rules changed on 30 June 1999. They also cannot install anything in your home that restricts the flow of water from the taps. If the water company threatens to disconnect you for being in arrears, complain to Ofwat, the body that regulates the water companies or phone us for advice.

Warning
This does not apply to businesses. If you are trading as a small business contact Business Debtline on 0800 197 6026."

DVardysShadow

As I see it, provided OP pays amounts billed for water, the debt is a purely civil debt and TW would have no right to cut water for the £734 even if they had any right to cut water.

OP, you must pay this money back. But make sure that you pay your own water bill first. It will be a bind, but every time you pay them anything you need to be clear which debt you are paying. You should ask in writing for TW to transfer this amount to a separate account, so that you can keep your water up to date. On the ohter debt, you need to keep paying something - eg £1/month.