Anglian Water...bill to be paid up front for 2009-2010

[Twinkle17]

Has anybody heard of Anglian Water demanding pre-payments for the year 2009 - 2010?
We have an elderly friends who lives on her own and she said she received a bill from Anglian water for April 2009 - 2010 which was an estimate of what she will use for the coming year (she doesnt have a water meter) it was a final demand bill for �900.00 which she rang and paid strait away due to the threat of legal action.
Ive offered to look into it for her but she says she doesnt want anymore stress and not to worry about it, however, this cant surely be right?? Has anybody heard of this? I cant see how this can even be legal?

[samuelcat]

Hi.I am an anglian water customer as well. You really should call them asap.
I have recently had some financial problems and they are one of the most understanding companies I know.
It is usual to bill for the next year when on fixed rate. They can only bill for what you use if on a meter.
If your friend lives alone then she needs to get on a meter soon.�900 is far far to much for a single person. Ring them and see what they say. Trust me, they will try and help as much as they can.
Let us know how you get on.

[themas]

I don't know specifically about Anglian, but most water companies will set up monthly payment plans by direct debit whether you are on a meter or on rateable value. Expecting �900 in advance is pretty unreasonable.

I'm puzzled about the legal action threat. Was this included in the bill? If so, then a complaint should be made. It is surely not acceptable to be threatened in this way when the customer has given no indication that they won't or can't pay. Such threats are normally in chasing up letters following non-payment.

[buildersmate]

Are you sure about the sequence of events here?
It is standard that these bloated utilities companies send out a bill for the year by 1st April. Mine drops through the door on 25th March - regular as a clock.
It states the whole amount due, but makes the point you can pay half now.
We are now into the first week of May. If this lady has done nothing about the first half payment by now, I would not be surprised if a red final demand for the whole amount now drops through the door. A bit threatening perhaps, but has she paid the first half - or done as Themas suggested.