severn trent bill for deceased mum

[honeybunny2]

My mum passed away in may this year and I had enduring power of attorney so all bills came to me. This morning I have received a final water bill for the bill period 8th november 2006 to 7th ferbruary 2007 the question is do I have to pay this bill, its not a lot because mum was not living there during this time.

thanks in advance

[2Grumpy]

I'm sorry for your loss

I think that it would have to be paid out of her estate (if there was one), otherwise not. There might be a time limit also.

Hopefully someone who knows about these things will come along soon and confirm this

Grumpy

[Stillborn Crisps]

If the property was empty I think you don't have to pay anything for that period of vacancy.

I've had empty properties and not paid for up to 2 years (by arrangement with Severn Trent). They say they will come and turn the supply off, but in my experience they never actually have when I've gone to inspect the property.

However, I told them from the day the property became empty, so not sure if it can be done retrospectively, but if you explain the situation one would hope they'd be sympathetic in the circumstances.

The same can be done for Council Tax on vacent properties, but it only lasts for 6 months (I think) after that you have to pay a percentage of the yearly amount.

Good luck.