Southern Water extorting by DD

kphunter

Our water bill went up to £799 this year, and even though the account was already more than £500 in credit, they decided to increase the direct debit.

I queried this - by the time we have paid the year's direct debits, together with the amount already in credit, we will have overpaid the bill by more than £700. I asked them to reduce the DD so that it would cover the amount of the bill - they refused and said it's not possible!

The only way to pay this year's bill and no more was to cancel the DD and pay the bill twice a year, which I have done.

I asked for this sharp practice to be raised as a complaint, I've had no reply of course.

flaneurs_lobster

Is there any financial advantage to you for paying by DD like a discount or a period of free credit?

If not then just pay on demand as you have decided to do.

Not seeing "extortion" or "sharp practice", just a convenient way of paying a bill that you've decided not to use.

Your complaint will fail.

fatbelly

I pay by standing order and so I stay in control. I'll reconsider that if they ever offer an incentive to pay some other way. There are times in the cycle when I am in debit and get angry threatening letters. They go in recycling.

kphunter

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82050443#Comment_82050443

None. Just the "privilege" of paying for almost a year's bill in advance.

GrubbyGirl_2

Why not simply ask them to refund your credit?

jimjames

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82050656#Comment_82050656

You can still pay by DD when you receive half yearly bill, that's how I do mine

dunstonh

Our water bill went up to £799 this year, and even though the account was already more than £500 in credit, they decided to increase the direct debit.

that can happen with easy justification. You haven't given us enough information to say whether it is fair or unfair or not.

For example, if you didn't have the credit, then the forward pricing would likely see an even higher direct debit amount needed.

I asked for this sharp practice to be raised as a complaint, I've had no reply of course.

You would probably have better luck by explaining why you think it's wrong.