severn trent

newcook

I have recently moved into a 1 bedroomed flat from a 3 bedroomed semi and have just received my water bill - I nearly fainted!!!!

For 12 months it will be just under £275.00!!! Surely this cant be right?! When I was in my house my water was just over £200 for 12 months with 2 of us using the water - we both had a bath everyday, 2 toilets in the house, washing machine on at least 3 or 4 times at the weekend plus all the usual things such as washing up, cooking, making cups of tea etc.

Now its just me on my own my washing has halved, I only have 1 toilet, the bath isn't as 'comfy' as my other one so will be taking showers but my bill a soooo much higher than before!!!


In my house the water was on a meter but in my flat its rateable - is it worth me arguing it so severn trent reduce it or is it tough luck?!

Cardew

If your flate has no meter, charges are based on the Rateable Value(RV) and are not negotiable. £275 is not high for charges based on the RV.

You need to get a meter fitted by Severn Trent asap. It doesn't cost to have one fitted.

In the very unlikely event that charges with a meter are higher, you can always revert back to your previous tariff within 12 months.

If Severn Trent cannot fit a meter(not possible in some flats) they will give you an assessed charge which is the average charge for a single person.

newcook

thanks for that Cardew - will it matter that the flat is rented? obviously I would need to get permission from landlord!

Cardew

If you are paying the bill, it should be your decision on a meter.

Depends on lease and your relationship with the landlord if you ask his permission or not.

However for a one bed flat, that is not likely to have more than a couple in occupation, a meter should always be cheaper than being assessed on RV.