Water bill madness

Orangeflamingo23

Hi folks,

I posted last year about my water bill situation and have an update:

Background: Moved into shared ownership new build 4 years ago. Advised water included. Contacted Water company to check & never heard back.

Last year found out water might not be included. Tried to call water company - on hold for ages, then left it til last month to make contact again as had lots happening.

Finally spoke to someone & explained the situation & apologised.
I also updated them I’ve been made redundant so even though id like to pay off some of arrears I can’t pay a huge amount.
They could not find me on the system. It took 45 mins. Then they added me.

Requested an email with what’s owing/next steps. Have since found out others in my building have water meters.

Received a letter in the post with someone else’s first name but same surname. This person lives in my block. Letter had all their payment/bill details. Not my reference number.

Rang water company again to advise this. On hold for half hour, then explained I had someone else’s bill. Advised they would send me my bill by email in a few hours.
Bill received going back 4 years but states it’s an ‘assessed bill’ as I don’t have a water meter. Confused why I don’t have a water bill when others do?
also is an assessed bill going to be more expensive or cheaper I wonder. Only me & my child here, bill is almost 3K.

I’m wondering if anyone can advise…

-Does nearly 3K sound fair?
-If I pay a small amount does this mean I’ve ‘accepted’ this bill is reasonable & that an assessed bill is ok?
-can it be backdated this far?
Thanks for any advice / info

Orangeflamingo23

*Oops I mean confused why I don’t have a water meter when others do, not water bill!

Lorian

Which water company?

Orangeflamingo23

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81908980#Comment_81908980

Southern Water

jaybeetoo

Are you sure you don’t have a water meter? Could it be the builder didn’t register it? It might be worth finding out where the other properties have their water meters and seeing if yours in in a similar location.

When I bought a new apartment many years ago, the meters were all mixed up. It took a while to sort out.

Orangeflamingo23

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81909224#Comment_81909224

I feel pretty sure I must have a water meter (the bill I received that belongs to someone else had meter readings on it)

Should I push for them to locate it & do a reading? Bit worried the meter reading might be more than the ‘assessed bill’ though.

Also can they defo go back 4 years I wonder? I didn’t think utility bills can?

HampshireH

Why don't you locate it? They are typically in a batch together. Either under one drain cover of multiple black circular cover

Bigphil1474

The assessed charge is based on an average of what metered properties pay, so if you are a light user you might be worse off compared to a meter on an assessed charge. Vice Versa of course. You will probably be better off than on a rateable value charge. £750 a year sounds a lot. We had an assessed charge while we were waiting to go onto a meter and it was equivalent to £600 a year on a 4 bed semi with 2 adults living in it.

Did you keep all your paperwork, if they put in writing that water is included, then you might want to chase up with whoever stated that.