As long as the shareholders don't suffer.

[BoldonLad]

Could have got it wrong but I thought you were retired?

What's that got to do with it?, is there a discount for retirees?, in which case, I may be due a very big rebate

 

[AndyRM]

What's that got to do with it?, is there a discount for retirees?, in which case, I may be due a very big rebate

Yes. If you get pension credit you're eligible for up to 50% off, which the rate you're paying suggests it's already been done.

 

[BoldonLad]

Yes. If you get pension credit you're eligible for up to 50% off, which the rate you're paying suggests it's already been done.

I don’t qualify for or get pension credit. That is me paying “normal” water bill. Two people in modern 4 bed detached house, Council Tax band D.

 

[AndyRM]

I don’t qualify for or get pension credit. That is me paying “normal” water bill. Two people in modern 4 bed detached house, Council Tax band D.

Then I've no idea why your rate is reduced. Council tax band and property size have nothing to do with, it's all based on means and whatever benefits/credit you receive.

 

[BoldonLad]

Then I've no idea why your rate is reduced. Council tax band and property size have nothing to do with, it's all based on means and whatever benefits/credit you receive.

I think we have our wires crossed here. Water Bills (for domestic consumers), which is what we (or at least I) are/am talking about are based on the rateable value of the property (for an unmetered supply), or, actual usage, via a water meter (for a metered supply). There may be means testing for those who rely on benefits to pay their water bill, but, for the rest of us, income is not relevant.

 

[AndyRM]

I think we have our wires crossed here. Water Bills (for domestic consumers), which is what we (or at least I) are/am talking about are based on the rateable value of the property (for an unmetered supply), or, actual usage, via a water meter (for a metered supply). There may be means testing for those who rely on benefits to pay their water bill, but, for the rest of us, income is not relevant.

I think you're right. Your rate being so close to my own threw me.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Water companies have to offer social tariffs for people on low incomes:

https://www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/help-with-bills/#social-tariffs

There are also alternative charging routines like Aqua Care Plus and Water Sure.

Details vary from one supply company to the next.

 

[BoldonLad]

Water companies have to offer social tariffs for people on low incomes:

https://www.ccw.org.uk/save-money-and-water/help-with-bills/#social-tariffs

There are also alternative charging routines like Aqua Care Plus and Water Sure.

Details vary from one supply company to the next.

I stand corrected, I should have said, income is not relevant unless it is less than the amount specified for your particular area. In "my" area (Northumbrian Water) that level is £23,933 and your annual water bill is more than 3% of your household annual income (net of housing costs, rent or mortgage payments).

It would appear that Portsmouth is more generous, but, I will not be moving there

 

[BoldonLad]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2gmx8d51xo, the shareholders may suffer, but, I doubt the legal profession will. Standby for the latest "no win no fee" bonanza

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2gmx8d51xo, the shareholders may suffer, but, I doubt the legal profession will. Standby for the latest "no win no fee" bonanza

Well if the companies suffer then the share prices will fall
which would make privitising them much easier without giving millions to the shareholders

 

[dutchguylivingintheuk]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv2gmx8d51xo, the shareholders may suffer, but, I doubt the legal profession will. Standby for the latest "no win no fee" bonanza

Yes but for some reason it always seems to work the same as for example the council sending in traffic wardens frequently during school runs to force parents to park decently. Despite all kind of excuses when asked, if the consequences are high enough suddenly they can park normally or in case of these water companies make some investments to stop the need to pollute waterways. We just need an government with enough balls to tell them(force them) not to overcharge consumers but take a hit on their profits

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Yes but for some reason it always seems to work the same as for example the council sending in traffic wardens frequently during school runs to force parents to park decently. Despite all kind of excuses when asked, if the consequences are high enough suddenly they can park normally or in case of these water companies make some investments to stop the need to pollute waterways. We just need an government with enough balls to tell them(force them) not to overcharge consumers but take a hit on their profits

In other words a proper regulator with real teeth and proper regulations to enforce

Should be workable enough as long as the people setting it up are basing it on looking after the interests of the public

not that I am suggesting that "some people" have been relaxing the regulations to help out their mates or make a profit
or set themselves up with a nice job after they loose their seat
but.......

 

[Psamathe]

Thames Water seem so determined to keep their bonuses and given the regulator looks like it might be waking-up, being reported Thames Water are finding ways to pay inappropriately large amounts to senior executives

Thames Water says it will raise base pay of bosses if Ofwat limits bonuses
...
Troubled Thames Water has threatened to increase the salaries of its executives if the industry regulator sees through on plans to limit bonuses for the bosses of water companies.
...
(from https://www.theguardian.com/busines...se-base-pay-of-bosses-if-ofwat-limits-bonuses)

Ian

 

[dutchguylivingintheuk]

Thames Water seem so determined to keep their bonuses and given the regulator looks like it might be waking-up, being reported Thames Water are finding ways to pay inappropriately large amounts to senior executives

Ian

So Ofwat needs the powers if they haven't already to sack those executives and prevent those trick to be played out.

 

[Psamathe]

Looks like the water companies are responding to thne sewage pollution issues in a predictable manner

Thames Water data reveals raw sewage discharges in rivers rose 50% in 2024
Exclusive: Almost 300,000 hours of raw effluent poured into waterways, figures show, up from 196,000 in 2023
...
(from https://www.theguardian.com/busines...ata-reveals-raw-sewage-discharges-rivers-2024)

Ian