SE Water

downinkent

Hi

I have just found out that SE Water have been billing me based on a four bedroom house. I only have two bedrooms. I am charged by rateable value as I can't have a water meter.  Can I pursue a rebate? I have lived in my home for 35 years so this could be a considerable amount.

QrizB

Welcome to the forum.

Are you saying your rateable value is wrong?

downinkent

Thank you for replying. They were basing my bill on a four bedroomed house as my neighbours have four bedrooms. I have two bedrooms. 

downinkent

They obviously haven't checked that I am council tax band A. They said they will send someone around to clarify I only have two bedrooms. I am also single occupancy which I told them months ago.

freesha

RV has nothing to do with how many bedrooms, or a council tax banding.

downinkent

I have just got this off Google.

Water companies charge in two different ways. The first is unmetered and calculates a set rate that is decided upon by your home's 'rateable' value. The second method is metered, where you are billed for the amount of water you use.

freesha

downinkent said:

I have just got this off Google.

Water companies charge in two different ways. The first is unmetered and calculates a set rate that is decided upon by your home's 'rateable' value. The second method is metered, where you are billed for the amount of water you use.

There is a third way (assessed) which can only be used where a meter fit isn't possible.

downinkent

Meter fit isn't possible in my house. I had a conversation with them and they said they have been charging me for a four bed house not a two bed, hence my post. No one has been round to assess my property.

freesha

Do you live alone? Ask about their single occupier assessed tariff.

downinkent

I am now registered for that, but I am chasing a rebate for all the years they have overcharged me.

jimjames

downinkent said:

I am now registered for that, but I am chasing a rebate for all the years they have overcharged me.

You won't get 35 years refunded. You might possibly get more recent bills adjusted but historically bills were based on rateable value so that wouldn't have been affected by the bedrooms but the RV of the property.