General Chat

The ratable value used to be based on what the likely rent for the property would be. This took into account the size and number of rooms, number of radiators, any extension, size of sheds, greenhouse, garage and whether it was brick, outside tap etc. Additionally it took into account the convenience of local amenities, libraries, shops, schools, bus routes.

When we did alterations to a previous house it was found that the previous occupant had been overcharged rates on a brick garage that was in fact timber. He had been overcharged for 30 years.

Found this on Southerwater website

.>>>If your property was built before April 1989, and you do not have a meter, **your charges are based on the rateable value existing on March 31st 1990.**

For a new or newly converted domestic property which is not metered and does not have a rateable value, there is an annual wastewater licence charge of £278.96.<<<<

So if they all have the same policy, the bit about rateable value may explain the differences between maggiewinchester and her daughter’s rates.

Rip off Britain? Indeed!!!

DET - there are definitely different considerations - like how much can be 'ripped off'!
My daughter once lived in a 2 bedroom flat in a small country town in Hampshire that comes under Winchester - her water charges were more than mine (3 bedroom house actually in Winchester)

That sounds complicated DET. A simple meter is much fairer.

Regarding pumps - I collect all my own water, but luckily I live on a sloping property and my main water storage is on top of the hill.
About a year ago I did away with my pump and now just run everything off gravity. Not huge pressure, but perfectly adequate and it saves water.

I have a pump that I just use to pump water up the hill when needed.

xxxxxxx mick

Mick from the Bush asked how they know what to charge for water, if it’s not metered.

I’ve always assumed it’s based on the number of bed/rooms you have. There may be some other considerations as well in the formula. The Country (England) is divided up into areas, with different companies’ taking responsibly for the supply and infrastructure in their area.

There doesn’t even seem to be a national rate…..they individually set their own!!!!

Well our water meter cost for the last year was £227 so we'll be lucky to get £2 off, a pound each. lol We catch all the water from the greenhouse and shed in 4 water buts for watering the garden.

I've never understood why this country charges us a fortune to purify water so we can drink it, but doesn't supply us with a cheaper alternative for the dishwasher/washing machine/car washing and watering the garden.

my water meter saves me about £200 per year.

with all this b**** rain they should be paying us to take it away !

Errr- how do they know what to charge you if you dont have a water meter?

Oz towns and suburbs have all had water meters at least since the 1940s.

Giving us de-contaminated water costs money - because it incurs costs.

If you think you're being over-charged,. instal a water meter.

Otherwise, be grateful you don't live on the African Sub-Sahara, where lack of water really is a life or death thing.

Sue x

But I don't half stink,havn't had a bath for ten years!!!

My bills are about a third what they were before having a meter fitted.

Still water the garden, and play with my pressure washer.

Wish I could have a water meter!
Is it just me or has the enthusiasm for everyone to have a water meter died a death recently?
Methinks Ann's bill is the clue!
Water meters - good for the environment - but bad for water companies profits!!

I have a water meter - my bill for the year is about £100

Do what we do over here - put in your own water tanks and catch the rain for free!
(My water bill is $35 a year - for something they call "drainage"!)


xxxxxxx mick

I thought it was just £3 off, making the AVERAGE bill £340.
Mine's a lot more!!
Won't make much difference.
I'm charged over £20 a year for the taking away of rainwater - which the water company doesn't do, as I'm on chalk, and it just soaks away!
To claim this money back, I have to provide plans of my house - which is owned by the council and they won't give them to me!

Realy pees me off, as one presumes the water companies are totally aware of the geological strata of their area!

Dear All

Hello

The electric bill arrived today.

We thought of doing a moonlight flit!

Yes, it was a high price bill.

Best wishes
xx

how do u no how much u will get off?

If that happens then i'll get £202.64 off
but i wont hold my breath.

they will probly cut everyone elses bills and make me pay double lol x

One wonders how on earth are we going to spend all that extra money?

My cup runneth over.