Pouring calm on troubled water bill fears

A HOUSING organisation and water company United Utilities have moved to quell worries over new water bills and “minimum payments” effecting thousands of households.

Some tenants have contacted the Chronicle believing weekly water bills of around £8 are being replaced with a minimum charge of £150, due on April 1 - or £300 thereafter.

But First Choice Homes Oldham and United Utilities say a range of payment options are still available following a change in payment arrrangements.

Until recently, First Choice included household water charges in its weekly or fortnightly rent collections. From April 1, tenants will make separate payments for water services direct to United Utilities.

Vinny Roche, director of commercial services at First Choice Homes, said: “We wrote to customers in October and January to explain the changes.

“Our letters included information to help them understand the changes in more detail - including the different payment methods offered by United Utilities.

Iain Pilling, collections manager at United Utilities, said: “Tenants will still be able to choose whichever payment option suits them best — such as instalments, direct debit, standing order and payment card.”