Just had my six monthly water bill from 'Three Vallys Water' and find that after paying a monthly DD for 30 years, the last 15 or so based on a meter, I'm in arrears to the tune of £140.00. DD has jumped from £27.00 to £44.00 to repay arrears.
Apparantly the six monthly reviews were never done (in spite of stating this on every bill) although my bill has gradually increased over the years. No explanation or apology (until I called them). No proof has been given as to how these arrears came about it just appeared on the bill. Before I pay up can I legally request a written account showing these arrears are genuine and not an accounting error? Any one else had similar problem?

goudie

Apparantly the six monthly reviews were never done (in spite of stating this on every bill)


There you are, end of story. You should not be liable for anything:ok: Write them a letter with that included and state that your solicitor will deal with the matter. I am sure it will be dropped. If there is any dispute you should most certainly be entitled to ask for a statement of how and when the discrepancy has occurred.

Good luck

Definately ask them for a breakdown and detailed invoice.

One of the advantages of living in Jockshire is that the water rates are included in the council tax (at least in this area). Makes up for the language difficulties, surfeit of lard in cooking, watching them count to 14 on two hands, etc etc.

:}

This applies to all the utilities

Write a letter of complaint - it must be a letter

When you get a reply if still not happy write to the regulator (Water - Offwat, Gas & leccy -Offgem, telephones Offcom) addresses in phone book or on line
Include copies of all correspondence.
Bear in mind, also, that most of the utilities have to reply or acknowledge a letter within a set period, check their Guaranteed Standards on their website, if they fail you can claim compensation from them as well!

Thanks guys, re-assuring advice.

If you feel so strongly, SOTV, I suggest you b*gger off back to little England where your pansy arteries and your poor, assaulted ears might cope. Then again, if you're really surrounded by inbreds you must be on a council estate (they have the same things in England, and with a similar populace) and that's probably where you belong.

Just heard on the Beeb (R5) a story (that's probably been in the redtops) that would make anyone's hair curl. Elderly man (80+) somewhat senile, living alone in a property without gas (ie only electric power).
He gets seriously behind with his bills (due, it may seem, to a wiring fault causing excessive meter readings). At £6000 arrears, supplier applies for (and is granted) emergency access to fit a prepayment meter. Old chap doesn't understand how to recharge the 'key' and ends up without power or light (and a £6000 bill), so he decides to 'end it all' - but he is discovered in time.
Supplier has failed to resolve the situation despite sixteen months of 'investigation' and haven't complied with the judgement of the ombudsman.
PR chief comes on to explain, but states that 'he is not in possession of the facts' . . .
Grandad driven to suicide bid - News - Manchester Evening News (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1056817_grandad_driven_to_suicide_bid)

Don't start me on about the electricity suppliers