2007-06-09 06:35:53 · 5 answers · asked by kayrich2000 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United Kingdom
In the 'old days' you paid a set amount based on the 'Ratable Value' of the house (i.e. like Council Tax).
These days all new houses have water meters fitted. I believe some people are still changed on the old system, but as soon as you move house (so become a 'new customer') all water companies insist** that a meter is fitted.
Generally - the old system was 'best' for people with large families or those who wasted a lot of water ... single people (or couples without children) subsidised those with kids and those who wasted water .. plainly the meter system is "fairer", in that those who use most, pay most .. and being charged on usage plainly encourages people to save water rather than to waste it.
**As soon as meters became an option, single people queued up to get one fitted .. as their bills went down, water companies saw their revenue falling off. This is why they insist you have a meter.
2007-06-09 06:42:09 · answer #1 · answered by Steve B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have a water meter, it's calculated on the taxable(council) value of the property which is totaly unjust as I live in a one bed flat witout a washing machine or dishwasher on my own but have to pay the same rate as the fammilly of four next door!
Bloody extortionists
2007-06-09 06:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not charged by volume unless you have a meter installed, which is not advisable. The bill is approx £350 per year.
2007-06-09 06:44:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally by the volume of water used.
2007-06-09 06:39:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are based on rateable value of your house
2007-06-09 06:44:28 · answer #5 · answered by i give up 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋