Standing Charge - S.E. Water

Geoffo_M

I get my metered water bill from South East Water every 6 months. It used to always charge me for water usage for the past 6 months, and a standing charge for the forthcoming 6 months. This has changed with the bill I have just received in that the standing charge is for the next 12 months. It's a bit steep charging 12 months ahead. Are all Water Companies employing this tactic. I presume it's to aid cash flow, or trying to tempt us to change to direct debit?

Cardew

Just had mine from Severn Trent and the standing charge is in arrears as is metered water.

However I pay by DD and it may be different for quarterly payment