Debt management could help pay water bills
Debt management could help pay water bills
Wednesday 9th December 2009
The independent review carried out by regulatory expert Anna Walker found that the current system of billing is out of date.
She concluded that there should be a major increase in the use of water meters so that bills can be calculated more accurately.
But the Consumer Council for Water has voiced concerns that those without meters will not receive sufficient financial support.
Currently, only 35 per cent of households have meters installed, with the review recommending that this be increased to 80 per cent in England by 2020. The cost of installing a meter is around £200.
For some, even if a water meter led to reduced monthly bills, installing one could prove too large a one-off expense. For those struggling to make ends meet, talking to a debt management company can help, offering solutions such as debt consolidation loans.
A spokesperson for the Consumer Council for Water said: "The majority of water customers tell us that they see metering as a fairer way to pay, but we are concerned that with more meters come risks.
"Our worry is that even though [Mrs] Walker's report acknowledges that there are customers right now who cannot afford their un-metered charges, the financial support she suggests would only be available for customers who have water meters."
This week, customers were warned that they could face increased bills for gas and electricity to pay for the installation of smart meters to measure how much they use.
News article brought to you by Debt1 – Confidential Advice for Managing Debts
Related News
High energy bills may lead to debt management - 08/12/09
Energy companies are boosting their profits while the amount consumers pay to heat their homes will be higher this winter
Energy companies are boosting their profits while the amount consumers pay to heat their homes will be higher this winter
Smart meters could push up costs and lead to debt management - 08/12/09
The introduction of smart meters in homes to monitor energy use could lead to energy bills being pushed up significantly
The introduction of smart meters in homes to monitor energy use could lead to energy bills being pushed up significantly
Xmas card binge could mean debt consolidation - 07/12/09
The Christmas season could give many people a financial headache if they do not keep track of their use of store and credit cards, new figures show
The Christmas season could give many people a financial headache if they do not keep track of their use of store and credit cards, new figures show
Xmas spending of £11 billion may increase debt management - 04/12/09
Brits will withdraw more than £11 billion from ATMs this festive season, a total of more than £1 million per hour
Brits will withdraw more than £11 billion from ATMs this festive season, a total of more than £1 million per hour
Debt management could help with inheritance - 03/12/09
Most Brits want to leave money to their children and in total want to provide £2
Most Brits want to leave money to their children and in total want to provide £2
News Article Search
Quick Apply
News Archive