United Utilities Court Costs- Excessive!!

[nocredit]

I recieved my bill for £211 from UU in April for Water use 2007-2008. My first question is
-How are UU able to class me as in arrears by June 2007 for a bill covering costs from April 2007 to April 2008? All other utilities don't bill in advance so how is this right?
-Secondly, this was as usual a full bill with no option of staged payments. I had paid £50 off in June and got a reminder in July for the amount outstanding. I then heard nothing until September 9th when I recieved court papers. I borrowed the £161 ( I was out of work until recently and don't get first wage until end this wk) and paid it only to get a bill from UU for £20 Court Costs and £50 Solicitors fees.
Could I dispute this amount as being unreasonable?
Any advice appreciated!

[debtsurvivor]

I dont think you could dispute the court costs and sols fees as unreasonalbe they are fairly standard. (Any other thoughts anyone?)However I think you implied that you paid before court action is that right? In which case the charge has perhaps not been made.

Water bills are similar to council tax the whole years bill is chargable at the begining of the year the option to pay installments is a concession if you dont keep to the installment plan the provider will eventually seek remedy via the courts for the whole balance.

National debtline have some great information about water bill follow this link It sounds like the water may only be your most urgent problem, they were extreemly helpfull and supportive to me. The service is free

Good Luck - DS

[nocredit]

Hi, thanks for the advice. Think I will just pay the costs when I get paid this fri. it's so annoying that they can say people are behind on payments when it's payment for a service in advance.
Cheers anyway!