Increase In Water Payment

Myself and my partner have recently moved in together each coming from seperate properties.

Severn Trent have said that our Monthly water bill will be £72.

We were both previously on metered connections, mine was £14PM partners was £16PM.

I have told Severn Trent that it is ridiculous to be charging £72 when our combined monthly was £30 on metered connection. I told them I would be paying nothing until a meter is installed. The previous occupant was only paying £57 so are Severn Trent trying to bend me over here?

So yesterday the engineer visited to install the meter and was unable to do so on the street as we have a shared supply to the property next door. He was also unable to install internally near the stopcock as it has been boxed and tiled in with only access to the tap.

Where does this leave us?