haven't paid water for 4 years

~Chameleon~

samsmoot wrote: »

You're in the clear if they are writing to 'the occupier'. Say nothing, do nothing. Good luck!

And what if we all decided to do that?

samsmoot

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

And what if we all decided to do that?

I'd think I was in a different country - or century. It won't happen, but if it did then water can always get renationalised - which would be nice.

~Chameleon~

samsmoot wrote: »

I'd think I was in a different country - or century. It won't happen, but if it did then water can always get renationalised - which would be nice.

Basically you're condoning theft. I'm sure there are many of us that would prefer not to pay our water bills. I'm sure if the OP had been honest from the start she'd have discovered that she'd have paid far less than the £30 a month she was quoted and wouldn't have amassed such a large bill. Water companies always use a format which is far higher than reality when calculating initial direct debits.

samsmoot

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

Basically you're condoning theft.

Yes, or no, but they are also thieves, and have stolen money off those close to me, so they can get lost. And they also threatened me to pay up or they'd take me to court over money I didn't owe, so they can get lost again.

crazyangel_2

Cardew wrote: »

Don't worry about it - the rest of the customers will have their charges increased a little to pay for your bill. - Even ones who cannot afford the internet.

i personally dont have internet my daughter does,i can barely afford to put my heating on i sit in the dark every night lucky me huh not paying my water !

samsmoot

crazyangel wrote: »

i personally dont have internet my daughter does,i can barely afford to put my heating on i sit in the dark every night lucky me huh not paying my water !

I think you need your money more than anyone else does right now, and so you shouldn't feel bad about keeping it.


Some say this is theft, but legally it isn't. Had you failed to inform the other utilities such as gas and electric that you were using their services it may well actually be a crime, but this isn't one of those. It's not an offence to keep quiet about your water usage, and neither is it unlawful to not pay your bills. It's a civil matter with a civil remedy and it has yet to be proven that you are liable for any water charges.

sistafromanothermista

samsmoot wrote: »

Yes, or no, but they are also thieves, and have stolen money off those close to me, so they can get lost. And they also threatened me to pay up or they'd take me to court over money I didn't owe, so they can get lost again.

I don't think it's possible to get lost twice......


Brilliant advice samsmoot....... (not)

samsmoot

The OP can't pay and doesn't want to. Their question was what could happen to them. I told them - nothing. The rest of you don't have to like that advice but it's appropriate for the OP.

~Chameleon~

samsmoot wrote: »

The OP can't pay and doesn't want to. Their question was what could happen to them. I told them - nothing. The rest of you don't have to like that advice but it's appropriate for the OP.

Well, that's not strictly true is because if/when they get caught they will be taken to court for outstanding debt and end up with a CCJ filed against them. And trust me, the water authorities are quite robust in chasing debts.

If the OP had been honest from the start he/she could have got help with this. There are charities who will help those who can't afford to pay their utility bills.

Mergic

Well done for recognising that you have a problem which is out of control at the moment, it's the first step to getting help and taking control. While there maybe legal loopholes to avoid responsibility for the outstanding water bill, it is obviously causing you distress and could easily cause you further problems now and in the future. Dealing with the situation and any other arrears you may have is definitely they best option.

I would recommend you visit your local CAB with whatever paperwork you have to show your income, outgoings and debts. They can help you to establish what financial support you can get and if you are eligible for benefits that you are not claiming. Of the top of my head, I would expect you should be able to get Working Tax Credits and probably some housing benefit and council tax benefit. They will also be able to look at your debts and help you to plan the best way of dealing with them and then help you make arrangements. They should also be able to help you work out an affordable budget so you don't get yourself into further difficulties.

There are lots of other free debt relief charities who should be able to help and you should find details on here.