Large Credit on Water Bill but Water Co refunds cash refund

makingtrails

My and my partner moved into a small 2 bedroomed flat back in June 2014 and I swiftly contacted my local water company to arrange setting up my bill. The customer advisor told me that as I didn't have a water meter it would be £77.30 per month. I then contacted my landlord and asked if I could have a water meter installed. They advised me that I couldn't have one because it had been previously refused by the water company. So I carried on paying my £77.30 per month thinking there was nothing I could do.

In March 2015 I got a water bill for £990.04. After speaking to another resident in the same block of flats I was advised that it should be half that. So I again contacted my local water company who after properly investigated my account found that the property had been refused a water meter and moved me to an "assessed charge". Because of this I I was due a large credit as I had been overpaying. My revised bill including my overpayments was now £276.43, a massive difference from £990.04

So, I phoned them up today as I wish to be refunded for all my overpayments (£200+) however they have refused me a cash refund because of their billing system won't let them.

What are my rights here?

macman

Duplicate post, see other thread.