I like the wording of your letter, very concise! - cheers. Does anyone know if you are legally required to pass on the details of previous occupiers, upon request by an electricity company? statute?

I noticed I had put the orginal thread in the wrong section under media. I copied your post over to the new thread. Sorry for the confusion, bit of a newbie mistake.

That's an interesting point you raise about Data protection. I'm sure if I wanted details of previous occupants, they would decline, stating Data protection.

I moved into my new place home. Contacted the utility providers. The electricity company sent someone to read the meter. I then receive my 1st bill as expected. What I didn't expect, was for it to be dated *prior* to my ownership of the property. I contacted the company and identifiedthe mistake. They accepted I was a new customer but, They said there was still an outstanding amount on that meter. I said, contact the people that owe you the money and take my name off *their* bill. They said they dont have *their* details and until I provide them with a name and address I'm liable for the debt! I think this is very unfair and have sent them the legal stuff to show when I 1st took over the property. They have since separated the two accounts to enable me to pay what I do owe, yet they have not removed my name from the other bill. I can probably track down the new address of the previous occupants but given the way they have treated me I don't feel like doing their work for them. Am I obliged to provide this information?