water company want me to pay via benefit

mart.vader

matelodave wrote: »

Are we sure of this?

Me too, I don't see that "both customers" applies. Just one.

I recall reading somewhere that TPD's can be applied after two defaults, so that concurs with samsmoot's post.

Readers of this forum will also be aware that both samsmoot and I, intensely disapprove of the bullying tactics of Water Cos. and have personally experienced illegal actions by Water Cos. Believe it or don't - your choice.

Nada666 wrote: »

But both customers contacted their suppliers. They have told them upfront they had no intention of paying the minimum (same rate as direct) payments on a reasonable plan.

Edit: And another thing Nada, where did you get "reasonable" from ? ?

Nada666

mart.vader wrote: »

I guess that's easy to say, but harder to do - if my arithmetic is correct the OP gets JSA of £71.70, and after the Water Co have taken their deduction of £12.85, the OP is left with £59 or so per week. It's not a huge amount to play with, as it has to include rent, food, and probably gas, leccy and transport. Yes, its money provided by the tax-payer, for people seeking work (hence the name "Job Seekers Allowance")

Third Party Deductions are only allowed when the consumer has failed to comply with two payment arrangements. I don't think that has happened here.

One solution might be to apply to the YW Community Trust.

Apparently, according to Yorkshire Water, it was set up, " to enable applicants to break the circle of debt and to resolve their debt problems in the long term" and "to help Yorkshire Water customers who are in conditions of need and are unable to meet or pay charges for the supply of water and sewerage removal".

So, if that's what its for, why not use it for that ?

It is well known that for most poor single people water bills are more expensive than gas or electricity. That is reality. The charity option seems pointless and a waste of their funds - if you can't afford to pay £12.85 per week you can't afford to pay £10. Even if arrears (£60 or something) are written off there is no indication from either customer that they are willing to spend £40 on their water bills.

Single people on £71.70 are the very last people who should be messing about getting in debt. They can't afford it.

mart.vader

Nada666 wrote: »

It is well known that for most poor single people water bills are more expensive than gas or electricity. Maybe That is reality. The charity option seems pointless and a waste of their funds That's what its there for ! - if you can't afford to pay £12.85 per week you can't afford to pay £10. Even if arrears (£60 or something) are written off there is no indication from either Just one customer that I can see customer that they are willing to spend £40 on their water bills.

Single people on £71.70 are the very last people who should be messing about getting in debt. They can't afford it.

What should they do for water then ?

Nada666

Originally Posted by Nada666
It is well known that for most poor single people water bills are more expensive than gas or electricity. Maybe Yes, maybe. So? That is reality. The charity option seems pointless and a waste of their funds That's what its there for ! No it is not. It is for those situations where clearing a debt will help, it is not to be wasted on those for whom it is of little long term help - if you can't afford to pay £12.85 per week you can't afford to pay £10. Even if arrears (£60 or something) are written off there is no indication from either Just one customer that I can see Yup, sorry, no idea why I misread a recap as a hijack customer that they are willing to spend £40 on their water bills.

Single people on £71.70 are the very last people who should be messing about getting in debt. They can't afford it.

mart.vader wrote: »

What should they do for water then ?

It's more what should they do for food or heating. I would say, if a property (in Yorkshire!) commands a £40 per month water bill there must be a spare room or three that could provide a way of sharing the burden during a tricky period.

matelodave

We can only use £25 a month worth of water & sewerage and there are two of us at home all day, every day. We don't have baths but we do shower, use a washing machine, dishwasher, wash the cars & caravan and water the garden.
I'm sure a water meter and a bit of economising in the use of water might reduce the bill somewhat thus helping the OP out of their predicament.

samsmoot

matelodave wrote: »

I'm sure a water meter and a bit of economising in the use of water might reduce the bill somewhat thus helping the OP out of their predicament.

Or possibly not:

dirtyflannel wrote: »

I...am trying to get a water meter fitted to reduce my bill but I dont know if Im doing the right thing because my friend did so and got a shocker of a bill over £1000 for the year.

mart.vader

Sorry to cut and paste all this tosh, but from this guide:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/236163/tpp-new-creditor-guide.pdf

"The third party deduction scheme is for a vulnerable minority of benefit customers who have got arrears of essential household costs and haven't budgeted for their debts. Third party deductions are only used if there's no other way to clear the debts without putting the welfare of the customer or their family at risk."

"Third party deductions can't be made on request simply for the creditor or customer's convenience. They must show that all other attempts to budget properly have failed (such as payment plans, and changing the frequency or amounts of payments)."

"Under the scheme, DWP deducts a set amount from the customer’s benefit and pays it direct to the creditor until the debt's cleared. Deductions are usually to clear arrears of housing, fuel and/or water costs.
The amount DWP can deduct is regulated. At September 2009, the rate is £3.25 per item. If there's more than one deduction, the maximum amount DWP can deduct is £9.75 (three deductions)."

So, am I understanding this right ? Does the above paragraph mean that for one debt i.e. the water debt (one item), the max the DWP can deduct is £3.25 ?

samsmoot

mart.vader wrote: »

So, am I understanding this right ? Does the above paragraph mean that for one debt i.e. the water debt (one item), the max the DWP can deduct is £3.25 ?

The max for arrears per week, yes. But they also add in current usage - or rather the usage over a year divided by 52, which I believe is lawful.

samsmoot

Currently the rate is £3.60 per week.

Nada666

mart.vader wrote: »

Edit: And another thing Nada, where did you get "reasonable" from ? ?

They were offered the chance to repay the arrears interest free at about or less than the rate those with a lowest income are expected to be able to do so. £3.50 or so. Why is that not reasonable?