STW Threat of Court Action

[Dan X]

Hi everyone, I

 

have received a threat from Severn Trent which says that if I fail to pay the due amount within 14 days,

county court proceedings will be issued against me.

 

The original bill was for £161 and to date I have paid £107 and £54 remains.

 

My yearly rate is £218 but I only recently moved in so my bill is broken up.

 

To be honest I am struggeling with money at the moment and I contacted STW last week to explain my situation,

but all they were interested in was setting up a direct debit or payment card which I dont want.

 

I sent a letter to them last week to inform them that I am withholding the remaining balance until December 31st

(the money that I have paid so far will cover me up to this date).

3 days later I get the court action threat through my door.

 

My question is- have I acted unlawfully by withholding payment?

Am I within my right to do that?

I have not refused to pay, but rather I want to pay on my terms.

 

Any thoughts on this?

 

Many thanks. Dan X

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

Hi welcome to CAG, Is your supply metered?

[Dan X]

Hi, I am on a set rate. £218 per year is the anual rate.

[dx100uk]

if you have a quick browse of this forum [utils]

 

you'll find a couple of recent successes with water companies and court/ court threats.

 

if looks like you've already picked up on this point

but i'll outline it.

 

it matters NOT what a water company says or threatens.

 

it is only THEIR rules that dictateyou must pay in one or two bulk payments at the start or half way through the year.

 

divide you bill by however many months are left from its start till march the next year

 

if you are on schedule with that.

 

then send them your proposals to clear the bill by the end of the financial year.

 

dx

[dx100uk]

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?368469-Water-company-put-DCA-onto-me-paying-monthly-**WON**

[Dan X]

if you have a quick browse of this forum [utils]

 

you'll find a couple of recent successes with water companies and court/ court threats.

 

if looks like you've already picked up on this point

but i'll outline it.

 

it matters NOT what a water company says or threatens.

 

it is only THEIR rules that dictateyou must pay in one or two bulk payments at the start or half way through the year.

 

divide you bill by however many months are left from its start till march the next year

 

if you are on schedule with that.

 

then send them your proposals to clear the bill by the end of the financial year.

 

dx

 

Thanks dx for the helpful reply.

 

So I have paid up until Dec 31st 2012, so really no court action can take place?

 

In theory I have not recieved any water that has not been paid for, so what could a county court do?

 

Is this just an empty threat to try and make me pay up quicker?

 

Regards. Dan

[dx100uk]

probably yes

 

they would look rather foolish in court me thinks

 

dx