You are not the only person who seeks online help to deal with unpaid water bill debt. Yes, we understand you can feel a little bit scared sometimes if you have piled up unpaid water bill debts due to the rise of financial problems.
Across the UK, thousands of people are in the same boat and wondering,
Don’t worry. With this guide, you will find answers to the above two questions. In addition to that, We have also discussed alternative methods to reduce water bills and pathways to get help to deal with your water bill debt. We understand that it’s a challenging period, but please keep in mind that you are not facing this alone and keep reading the article.
Let’s begin.
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What is known as Water Bill Debt in the UK?
In the UK, the water bill debt refers to the outstanding amount of money that you owe to your water supply companies for water and sewage services. This debt can accumulate when you are unable to pay your water bills on time.
Your Water bill debt can pile up due to various factors, including
Keep in mind that water supply companies typically offer assistance programs and payment plans to help their customers to manage and clear their water bill debt. If you are facing financial challenges, you need to communicate with your water provider to explore available options and prevent the accumulation of significant debt as soon as possible.
Need more Help to deal with unmanageable water bill debt?
If you’re unsure how to deal with your unmanageable water bill debt, feel free to fill out our online form, and our Advice Team will get back to you to guide you.
Do water bill debts get sorted under priority debt?
No, water bill debt arrears are not classified under priority debts. They are classified as non-priority debt instead. It’s because your water company cannot disconnect your domestic water supply even though you have water bill debt by law.
Can water companies disconnect your water supply?
No, As we discussed before your water company cannot disconnect your domestic water supply. The water company is legally prohibited from disconnecting your water supply if you are a residential (non-business) customer. This applies even if you have an outstanding debt for them.
Keep in mind, that the water company can disconnect the water supply:
If you receive a domestic disconnection threat due to your property being empty for some time:
If you receive threats of disconnection, remember that you have consumer rights. For that, we urge you to read the Water Industry Act of 1999 in order to know your rights when dealing with your water company efficiently.
You can make a complaint to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) if the water company is threatening to disconnect your domestic water supply for having water bill arrears.
The way that the water company deals with water bill arrears changes if you are a tenant. They cannot disconnect your water supply line if the water account is under your name. However, if the water bill account is in your landlord’s name, then they may face consequences.
Any arrears in water payments will be considered as rent arrears if your landlords has included water rates as part of the rent. This may potentially result in legal actions to repossess your home. Therefore, it is important to prioritise the payment of water rate arrears when paid directly to your landlord.
In the meantime, you need to have an open discussion with your landlord to agree to a manageable payment plan. In that way, you can repay the arrears while paying ongoing rent fees on time. This proactive approach will help you prevent future legal consequences and maintain a positive tenant-landlord relationship.
Explore Water Assistance Programs such as WaterSure to take aid in solving your Water Bill Debt issues.
There are two schemes namely WaterSure and WaterSure Wales available in the UK to get help with your water bills if you are facing financial difficulties.
The primary objective of WaterSure is to limit the water bill to an amount equivalent to the average bill charged by the water company to its customers.
Utilising either scheme can result in a reduction in your bill if you have high water usage. Plus, you can remain enrolled in the scheme for one year. Then you’ll need to submit a new application to continue receiving its benefits upon its conclusion.
- You have a high requirement to use more water.
- You need to have a water meter or you are waiting for a meter to be installed or be a person who already pays the assessed charge since your property does not have the facility to fit a meter.
- To qualify for WaterSure, you or someone living in your household must be entitled to receive one of the following benefits or tax credits:
You must provide evidence of the benefits you are receiving due to getting accepted to either one of these schemes. Additionally, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be responsible for three or more children under the age of 19 who are doing full-time education and residing in the property.
OR
- Have a medical condition that necessitates a significant increase in water usage, or have a household member with such a condition. Examples of qualifying medical conditions include Crohn’s disease, weeping skin diseases (such as psoriasis), or ulcerative colitis.
You can still qualify if you use large amounts of water if you have a medical condition not mentioned above. But you will be required to provide a doctor’s certificate as evidence.
Writing off your water debt
There are a few ways you could take aid to write off at least a portion of your debt.
Negotiating your debt directly with your water provider might seem like entering uncharted waters. Yet, this path can lead to a reduction in what you owe or more favourable terms for repayment. Here’s what to consider:
Here is a step by step guide that you could follow in general to deal with your water company in order to find a reliable solution to your water bill debt issue.
Remember, communication and transparency are key throughout this process.
Water trust funds are charitable programs operated by many water companies to assist you in paying off your water and sewerage debts.
Below are a list factors that they consider when determining your eligibility to get these funds:
To qualify for assistance via their Trust Fund, the water company may ask you to seek budgeting and debt advice. They typically review a budget sheet to understand your financial situation and ensure that future payments are manageable.
Keep in mind that the water company may reject the application if the budget sheet indicates a deficit (more expenses than income). In such cases, seeking budgeting advice before applying is recommended.
You can still apply with a deficit budget. However, it might be advisable to delay the application until the financial situation improves and a more balanced budget sheet is achieved. In the meantime trying to communicate with the water company about the steps being taken to address the deficit may be helpful.
If you are interested in accessing a water trust fund, then you need to inquire with your water supplier about the existence of such a fund and the specific eligibility criteria.
Another potential avenue to address water debt is negotiating a lump sum payment with your water provider. Who knows, you may be able to strike a deal that involves freezing interest and charges just by reaching out to them and explaining your financial situation.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, the water provider might consider accepting a lump sum payment, even if it doesn’t cover the entire debt. This proactive approach can sometimes lead to the water company writing off part or all of the outstanding debt.
Additionally, inquire with your water provider about the possibility of a social tariff, which could reduce the amount you pay on your water bill. You will be eligible for this tariff if you have a low income or receipt of certain benefits. It’s advisable to explore these options by discussing them directly with your water provider.
The journey to reducing your water bill starts with everyday choices. Here are some practical steps to integrate into your routine:
- Fix Leaks Promptly: A dripping tap might seem insignificant, but over time, it can contribute to a surprising amount of wasted water. So make a habit of checking for leaks at least once every 3 months.
- Shower Smarter: Opting for showers over baths and reducing shower time can drastically cut down water usage.
- Full Loads Only: Whether it’s your dishwasher or washing machine, running full loads ensures you’re maximising water efficiency.
These adjustments are simple but powerful. By adopting these habits, you’re not just saving water; you’re paving the way to a more sustainable and debt-free lifestyle.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to managing your water bill. Regular monitoring of your water usage can reveal surprising insights:
- Read Your Water Meter: Regular checks can help you identify any unexpected spikes in usage, indicating leaks or areas for improvement.
- Use Water-Saving Devices: Installing devices like low-flow showerheads and tap aerators can reduce your water consumption without sacrificing performance.
By keeping a close eye on your water usage and adopting technologies designed to conserve water, you’re taking proactive steps towards financial and environmental sustainability.
What action can the water company take if you have Water Bill Debt and you ignore it?
Here’s what will happen in general if you have a Water Bill Debt to your water company:
- The water supply company will offer flexible Solutions if your financial difficulties are proven and convincing. They understand that life can throw curveballs. They offer alternative payment methods and might even suggest a new repayment plan. This includes any outstanding amounts and late fees. Their goal is to get you back on track.
As you can see, falling behind on water bill payments can set off a chain of events that might affect your financial health for years.
Hence, you need to take action to solve the debt issue in order to stop your water company from chasing after you. Keep reading. You will eventually find solutions within this article.
Below is a Screenshot that shows a forum user asking for aid from other forum members after receiving a CCJ and Attachment of an earnings order for unpaid water bill Debt.[Source]
What are the guidelines that need to be followed by a Water Supply Company when collecting debts from their customers?
All water supply companies need to follow guidelines that were placed by the Water Services Regulation Authority(also known as Ofwat) in order to help their customers settle their bills, access help and repay Water Bill Debt dues.
Among these guidelines, there are seven fundamental principles that water companies should follow:
- Proactively reach out to customers in debt.
- Simplify the process for all customers to pay their water bills.
- Water companies need to make sure that the eligible customers receive necessary assistance when required.
- Consider customers whose accounts are managed by agents (such as local authorities, housing associations, or other billing agents) as the company’s customers.
- Their agents need to maintain clarity, courtesy, and a non-threatening approach when dealing with customers in debt.
- They are required to establish payment agreements tailored to the specific circumstances of each customer in debt.
- Exercise care when dealing with customers undergoing debt recovery actions.
For a more comprehensive understanding and illustrative examples of each principle, you can refer to Ofwat’s publication titled ‘Paying fair – guidelines for water companies in supporting residential customers pay their bill, access help and repay debts.’
How to Make a complaint about the water bill company?
If you have an issue with your water company, it is advisable to formally communicate your complaint. Follow these steps:
What should I do if my Water Bill Debt with the water company is huge and I cannot afford to settle them?
Sometimes, you may face difficulties in agreeing to the proposed payment plans from the Water Company or the Debt Collection Agency, especially if they are financially burdensome.
In such situations, it is advisable to explore alternative debt solutions that can effectively address your debt-related concerns. In the UK, there are various alternative debt solutions to consider.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that each of these debt solutions has specific eligibility criteria. Selecting the right one can lead to debt resolution, while choosing the wrong one could worsen your financial circumstances.
Hence, seeking guidance from a professional debt advisor is a prudent step to take if you find it challenging to determine the most suitable debt solution on your own.
- Additionally, you may be eligible for Minimal Asset Process bankruptcy (MAP) if you have limited income and few valuable assets.
- This MAP option is known for its speed, cost-effectiveness, and simplified process, making it a practical choice to explore.
If you need personalised assistance based on your current financial situation, please feel free to complete our online form by clicking here to receive help from our Advice Team.
Seeking Free Financial Advice?
There are a number of debt charity organisations that you could use to get professional debt and financial advice free of charge. Their advisors will inquire deeply about your debt issue and will help you in finding a reliable solution to your debt issue.
Below is a list of charity debt organisations where you could get free debt help:
key points
- Communication with Water Providers is Essential: Reaching out to your water provider about financial difficulties can open discussions on repayment plans or assistance programs, laying the groundwork for a solution to manage water bill debt.
- Assistance Programs Can Offer Relief: Programs like WaterSure cap bills for low-income families, providing significant financial relief. Eligibility and application processes are critical for accessing these benefits.
- Debt Negotiation Can Lead to Favorable Terms: Proactively negotiating with water providers can result in reduced debt or better repayment terms, demonstrating a commitment to resolving the issue.
- Trust Funds and Restart Schemes Provide Support: Many water companies have funds or schemes to assist customers with their bills, offering a financial reprieve or a fresh start for those struggling.
- Lump Sum Payments May Reduce Debt: Offering a lump sum payment to water providers could lead to substantial debt reduction, but requires careful financial planning and negotiation.
- Preventive Measures Can Avoid Debt: Adopting water-saving habits, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient devices can prevent water bill debt by reducing consumption.
- Regular Monitoring Helps Manage Usage: Keeping an eye on water usage through meter readings and installing water-saving devices can help maintain control over water bills.
- Legal Consequences for Non-Payment: Refusing to pay water bills can lead to debt collection efforts, court actions, and possibly bailiff visits for enforcement of payment.
- Partial Payments May Be Necessary for Debt Forgiveness: Making a gestural payment is often required to get a portion of water debt written off, highlighting the difficulty in having the entire debt forgiven without any payment.
- Water Charges Support Infrastructure: The fees collected by water companies are crucial for maintaining the water supply infrastructure, ensuring the delivery of clean and safe water to customers.
FAQs
If you decide not to pay your water bill, the water company is likely to engage a debt collection agency to persistently contact you for payment. If these efforts fail, they may escalate the matter to legal proceedings in an attempt to secure the payment owed.
Yes, bailiffs can become involved in cases of unpaid water debt. Initially, the water company may take legal action to obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you. If you continue to ignore the obligation to pay after a CCJ has been issued, bailiffs have the authority to visit your home to enforce the debt collection.
In most instances, making a payment towards your water debt is necessary to have a portion of it written off. Completely writing off the entire debt without any payment is challenging. Therefore, you are generally expected to contribute some amount towards reducing your debt as a gesture of goodwill and intention to settle the debt.
The fees charged by water companies are essential for maintaining and improving the infrastructure that supplies water to homes and businesses. These charges cover the cost of treating and delivering clean water and managing wastewater, ensuring that customers have access to safe and reliable water services.