Never recieved a water bill

matelodave

Yes, but taking and using something without paying for it is morally wrong even it may not be considered technically theft and shouldn't be condoned.

I still can't see how it's different to filling the car up and driving away - you don't have a contract or T&C's with the garage but they'd rightfully take a dim view (and so would the law) if you scuttled off without paying.

So what happens if you don't pay your water bill - how can they chase you for payment or can you just stand-off indefinitely refusing to pay.

I've never been in the situation so i'd be interested to know.

samsmoot

matelodave wrote: »

So what happens if you don't pay your water bill - how can they chase you for payment or can you just stand-off indefinitely refusing to pay.

Unless a name is given they can't chase you, and you have no obligation whatsoever to supply one. Third parties might.


The only thing that a water company can do to force you to pay is to make a claim in the County Court, but they still have to enforce judgement if they get it. Those who have a house and a job should be concerned. The poor can worry less about this: if you still refuse to pay the worst that can happen is a spoiled credit rating and a visit from the bailiffs, who you can simply ignore.

GingerBob_3

samsmoot wrote: »

Unless a name is given they can't chase you, and you have no obligation whatsoever to supply one. Third parties might.


The only thing that a water company can do to force you to pay is to make a claim in the County Court, but they still have to enforce judgement if they get it. Those who have a house and a job should be concerned. The poor can worry less about this: if you still refuse to pay the worst that can happen is a spoiled credit rating and a visit from the bailiffs, who you can simply ignore.

You can safely ignore debt collecting "bailiffs", but not court-appointed bailiffs trying to steal your property after a county court judgement.


What the OP should do here is contact the water company (in writing, don't phone) and arrange for a bill to be sent for the period from when he moved in. He should not, of course, provide the water company with any personal details whatsoever, and should be known simply as "The Occupier".

samsmoot

GingerBob wrote: »

You can safely ignore debt collecting "bailiffs", but not court-appointed bailiffs trying to steal your property after a county court judgement.

Why not? Do you have a link to that please?

samsmoot

GingerBob wrote: »

I can believe this. It could be something to do with the fact that you don't have a contract with the water company and there are not T&Cs concerning your supply.

Not really.


There are specific offences of abstracting electricity under the Theft Act 1968, and meter interference under Schedule 5 of the Gas act. No similar offences exist for water.

GingerBob_3

samsmoot wrote: »

Not really.


There are specific offences of abstracting electricity under the Theft Act 1968, and meter interference under Schedule 5 of the Gas act. No similar offences exist for water.

Yes, all part and parcel of the same thing really. It all dates back to when water was not generally metered and billing was based on the system inherited from local councils. No T&Cs, different legislation etc.


Regarding bailiffs, those appointed by the county court have significantly more clout than the debt collecting low-life thugs, who have no clout whatsoever. However, as I understand it, you can still refuse them entry. I guess the best bet is to keep your house secure and don't answer the door to them.

samsmoot

GingerBob wrote: »

...as I understand it, you can still refuse them entry. I guess the best bet is to keep your house secure and don't answer the door to them.

That's right.

Cardew

Much as samsmoot has some interesting posts, readers should be aware that he has a long standing vendetta against all water companies, and his company in particular(read his previous posts). Thus he does every thing he can to encourage readers to be awkward in dealings with water companies.


The implications of this are twofold.


1. It can adversely affect your credit record - which apparently is not of concern to samsmoot personally.


2. The expense of any court action or non-payment of bills is of little concern to the water companies in that it doesn't affect their profits. The financing under the Water Act simply means that those costs(if not recovered from the account holder) are simply passed on to all other customers in increased bills.

samsmoot

Can't argue with any of that!

Jonny88

Interesting to see all the talk about CCJs, ballifs and credit ratings! Haven't received a bill so this doesn't apply!

GingerBob wrote: »

What the OP should do here is contact the water company (in writing, don't phone) and arrange for a bill to be sent for the period from when he moved in. He should not, of course, provide the water company with any personal details whatsoever, and should be known simply as "The Occupier".

I will contact them, can I ask why to do so in writing and only use 'the occupier'? I haven't broken any laws here so I'm not sure why I'd want to be evasive?