High water bill I have part paid, is this right and would they proceed with action?

amdowney

Me and my mate were in this flat for nearly 6 and a half months, the first time we got our own place paying all the bills etc. We didn't realise we had a meter though so didn't check any readings. He worked away loads so you could say there was 1.5 people there.

Bill comes through to our new house for the flat and Severn Trent wanted £185, which I thought was wrong as the house water bill (not metered) was £150 for 9 months. So I payed them £115 of the bill for the flat basically saying that's ya lot!

Now we are getting letters for the remaining balance of £69 from solicitors saying 'pay up now or we'll take further action' and you'll be liable for costs etc despite it being a small amount. I have spoke to Severn Trent who won't change their mind.

1) Does the original bill of £185 for the 6 month period sound right for 1.5 people in a flat?
2) Are they really going to proceed and land fees on us?


Thanks in advance

deanos

They will propably take it further if you dont pay, do you normally just pay what you think is right for all your bills ?

amdowney

deanos wrote: »

They will propably take it further if you dont pay, do you normally just pay what you think is right for all your bills ?

No but I just feel we are being ripped off in this instance!

Claudie

Unfortunately ignorance is no excuse for not paying a bill. The onus is on you as the occupier to know what you are paying for and at what rates. You know you are using water which you will have to pay for; even if the bills are late or you don't receive them on time - you are still using the service and will need to pay for it at some point.

Even if the bill is wrong (which it may not be, seems harsh but you should have called them at the end of month one really to save the large bill later) it is usually in your own best interest to pay it then follow through with your complaint. If the bill is wrong, the complaint process will result in a refund and your credit remains unaffected. If you pay what you fancy, you just end up hurting yourself and possibly messing up your credir rating which you then end up having to right. May seem unfair but it is just the way it is.

And from experience at work - yes they will chase you and yes it will be your credit record that suffers.

Cardew

£185 on a meter for 2 people in Severn Trent is on the high side, but not excessive. The average would be about £150. However if you were not aware you were metered and were a little careless with water it is not a surprising bill.
It may well be that you are paying for some of the previous occupants water or indeed anyone who moved in after you. However I am afraid that is down to you for not checking the meter readings.

Unless you have reasons to dispute the bill(not simply you think it a lot of money) IMO you would be very unwise to refuse to pay the bill. You will very probably have additional costs and your credit rating affected.

amdowney

Thanks guys, upon your advice I will pay the amount as I have otherwise a perfect credit rating. After seeing on the news the record number of complaints for the water company yet with their profits rising and leaks everywhere I am reluctant.