Survey For South Staffs Water Company

[barry1010]

I've just done a survey for my water company and it's left me feeling pretty blerdy cross.

It starts asking how I feel about donating to charity and looking after the vulnerable in society.
Then it explains how every customer pays £10 a year in their water bills so the needy can get discounted water bills.

It asks how much more I'd be prepared to pay from 2025, the options being nothing, £5 or £10 per year.

On the next page it states that if I paid £20 a year more then the shareholders would match it.

That's blackmail as far as I'm concerned. If they match the extra £20 why aren't they matching the current £10?

Have you had similar?

[douglas9401]

No, our water isn't privatised.

[-SharonA-]

No, but my 6 monthly bill was £350. This is for Thames water which last time I read was on the verge of collapse.
This charity business is what the government should be taking care of, not the public.

[barry1010]

douglas, what water company are you with?

I agree with you, Sharon

[douglas9401]

Scottish Water, a public company, as it should be.

[bhg481]

Sharon - have you thought about having a meter fitted? You can have one fitted and, if you don't like it, have it removed within a year (or go back to normal billing). We had ours changed years ago and we pay £13 a month with Thames Water, although we are quite careful with our usage but no skimping.

[rowanwitch]

Severn Trent have the big difference scheme where those on low incomes can get up to 90% off their bill, plus you can apply to their trust fund for grants e.g for replacing white goods.

[-SharonA-]

Bhg did not know you had the option to have it removed later on.
I will look into this as your payments are reasonable.

[barry1010]

Here you are, Sharon - sounds like a good scheme https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-meters/compulsory-meters-in-our-region

[pastafreak]

No donation requests...just reminders of the continued hosepipe ban. After the wettest July in recent memory...
I don't think Southwest water cares whether or not people can pay their bills.

[barry1010]

Southwest offers discounts up to 85% for low income customers, pasta

[-SharonA-]

Thanks Barry.

[pastafreak]

Where did you see that Barry?
When I've looked it's been based on household numbers...specifically how many children and whether under or over 14.

[barry1010]

I don't know who is eligible or how they work it out - seems to be based on income and family size but it is worth using their calculator to see if you qualify, pasta
https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/help/need-help-paying-bill/watercare/

[barry1010]

It does mention 'low income pensioners' so I would assume having children in the house isn't a necessity.

[pastafreak]

Thanks Barry. At the moment I'm ok...but we all know how sneaky these companies can be.

[barry1010]

pasta, I have no idea of your financial circumstances but it is a fact that money is better in your pocket than theirs. See if you qualify, if you don't you'll have lost a couple of minutes of your time, nothing else

[Ryzen]

You could always install a borehole and conditioning system...if you have a spare £15k to £30k.

[rowanwitch]

If it's like the Severn Trent scheme you might qualify even if you are on a decent pension, you might not get the full amount but even 10% or so off helps

[Rosetta]

Is it just a PR exercise, maybe they should be upping their investments rather than just trying to look good ?