Water Board - Default Notice

[PhiltheBear]

I am in dispute with my water supplier.

 

Briefly, when they installed a water meter they caused a leak which remained undetected for a year.

It has caused major structural damage to my property.

My insurance company are dealing with a claim against them for this.

 

However, part of the damage caused was to a concrete lined pond, which now leaks to the extent that I'm having to put in a couple of cubic meters of water each week.

 

Until my claim against them is finalised (which could take a year or more) this is an ongoing situation because the liability for repair rests with them.

 

They have issued me

a) with a bill which includes the amount of water leaked and

b) with a subsequent bill which includes the water I'm currently using to refill the pond.

 

I'm refusing to pay and I've told them why (by phone, by letter, by solicitor's letter).

 

However, they keep sending statements and

 

today sent a demand which included a threat to register a default with the Credit Reference Agencies.

 

It is my understanding that OFT guidelines preclude this

- as there is a dispute - and I've told them this.

 

However, I don't know if there is any law which prevents them doing so.

 

Does anyone know?