Three Valleys Water

[racer1]

We have received notification asking for immediate payment of approx £500, relating to a year's charges. When we moved in I hadn't set up a DD and when I contacted them to try and set one up they said we could. It was agreed we would pay off the remaining charges for the year plus add on about £200 which was from the first few months when we moved in, the previous water year.

I called them back to arrange the DD and they then said I couldn't do that and had to pay the sum in full or £200 which I didn't have. I was [and am] happy to pay it off in installments I can afford but they're now saying this isn't possible and we now can only pay the full amount of approx £500 which we're not in a position to do.

I am going to write to them and offer repayment in installments and explain am not in a position to pay a lump sum. Does anyone have any other advice before the letter is sent? Can they cut off our water?

[debtsurvivor]

No I dont believe they can cut off your water. See National debtline's guide follow this link National Debtline England & Wales | Debt Advice | Factsheet 23 Water Rates New Rules

Did you get a reply to your letter offering regular payments?

DS

[racer1]

nope nowt....

[debtsurvivor]

Lets hope they do accept your offer then, make your offered payment when you said you would even if they havent accepted.

[oranges]

We actually had some men outside ready to do it. Very thuggy looking, one chap did not turn up so they could not do it. We were told, BUT as we have children I am pretty sure they cannot anyway.

[racer1]

well today there is a letter from a soliciters asking for the original amount plus £80 court fees and £70 soliciters fees! I only found the letter half an hour ago but left a VM saying "hang on I have contacted the company directly, will contact them again but what's going on?"

Will send another copy of original letter to Three Valleys and the soliciters. There are also two recorded delivery things which I presume could be connected? Not expecting anything but won't be able to collect from PO as it's only open whilst I am at work.

Urgent advice needed please!!

[Conniff]

They CANNOT under ANY circumstances turn off your water.

Probably because of that they may be pretty swiftish in applying for a ccj.

[debtsurvivor]

Sounds like you are doing the right thing, they should not go to court without trying to make an agreement with you. Solicitors letter is just a threat, I would have thought they should have resoponded by now did you send your letters recorded?

[racer1]

It worries me they have put an extra £150 on though? I didn't send the original recorded but copies def will be

[Conniff]

You say they are asking for £80 court fees. Have they already taken court action against you and got a judgment?

[racer1]

nope

have now spoken to them and arranged to pay by installments, excl soliciters and court fees. Don't like it though that they won't put anything in writing to confirm the arrangement....