High Rateable Value

kirkipheobedog1

I really need some advice and I'm not sure where to turn. Myself and husband live in a 3 bedroom, mid terraced 3 bedroom house, council tax band A. Our water bill is around £72 per month - paid over 8 months. Having spoken to friends and neighbours, their water bills are £45 per month over the same period - none of them are on benefits or are pensioners. Our mid terraced house is in a block of 4, and all our neighbours on the block pay £45 apart from us. I spoke to Yorkshire Water who said they can't help as they don't set the rate. I spoke to Ofwat who said this is not within their remit, but advised me to speak to Doncaster Council as they set the rateable value. I spoke to the council who advised they haven't changed the rateable value since 1992 and they have nothing to do with water rates. Also we're a band A property so already the lowest tax band. So I'm stuck with a higher bill than everyone of our neighbours, no-one can tell me why and no-one can help me. We could switch to a water meter, but I would like to know why we're being charged a higher rate in the first instance. Also Yorkshire Water have now added a back charge that they missed from our bill last year for sewerage, and they're adding this charge with the price hike. That makes our new monthly bill nearly £90 a month for 2 adults. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂

daveyjp

The calculations for assessing the rateable values for water charge purposes are long gone - it is 35 years since all new properties have had to have a meter. 

The rateable value for water rates purposes therefore can't be changed or appealed so your only option if you want to pay less is to have a meter fitted.

la531983

If there are only 2 of you, you are almost certain to save money by going metered.