New flat, new build, water meter installed, local authority owned

Duckshoot

Towards the end of June I moved into a brand new flat owned by the City of London. Being a new build a water meter is installed.

However, CoL want to bill me for water based on estimated use. I have argued against this and I want to pay Thames Water directly. CoL claim I can't do that because of their policy.

I am prepared to go court and fight them, but I just want to know if they can force me to pay them instead of paying Thames Water directly?

lonestar1

is the meter solely for your flat ? or is it a communal one for the block ? if communal CoL will pay the bill and the flats will pay CoL.

Mind I wouldnt have thought a communal meter would be allowed in a new build.

Cardew

It depends on the terms of your rental agreement.


Have you contacted Thames Water and asked for their position on this matter?

Duckshoot

They won't tell me the status of the meter, but as I understand it, meters in new builds cannot be communal. This is what I want to establish. Thanks for your reply.

Duckshoot

Yes, I am in the process of setting up a direct account with Thames Water but the CoL is flipping out. I thought it was illegal for purpose built individual flats not to be fitted with meters. There is a meter, but they won't answer my emails as to its status, the meter number or its exact whereabouts. A CoL tenancy agreement is a wonder to behold! Thanks for replying.

spiro

Some councils have an agreement with the water company that they include water and waste with the rent which I know they do in Stevenage. There you ask them to take you off that scheme and pay it directly yourself. Maybe CoL have a similar scheme.