Surface Water question ?

ljonski

There are two identically sized terraced properties adjacent to each other. One is a 3 bedroom property the other is divided into flats. There is one charge for Surface water for the former and 3 separate charges for the latter. They obviously take the same amount of water away to the drains. So is this a con to get 3x more revenue by the Water Compaines or can anything be done? Thanks

Cardew

You have just re-stated the stupidity of the Surface Water Drainage charge; if it was a 20 storey block of flats they would all pay the same.

Unfortunately the water companies have no options in this situation. The Water Privatisation Act lays down that the default position will be that that SWD is charged unless the occupant can claim relief.

It is also pertinent to point out that the Regulator strictly controls the revenue, and hence profit, that the water companies can raise.

So if they lost, say, £1 million from SWD charges, they would simply raise other charges to compensate and raise the same revenue. So there is no incentive for extra profit by charging for SWD. The companies are in a win/win situation.