York Liberal Democrats encourage residents to switch to water meters (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

York Liberal Democrats encourage residents to switch to water meters

October 31, 2008 12:00 AM

The Liberal Democrats in York are encouraging residents to consider switching to water meters rather than having estimated water bills, as using a water meter can significantly reduce bills.

A water meter records the amount of water being used in the home for billing purposes, similar to a gas and electricity meter. The water company checks the water meter to calculate how much to charge the customer.

Water meters record in cubic metres how much water is supplied to a home. This means that water charges are based on the amount of water used, rather than being a fixed amount each year based on the Rateable Value of the property. The Rateable Value takes into account various things such as the size of the property, its garden space and proximity to local amenities.

Cllr Paul Firth, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Haxby and Wigginton, has spoken to residents in his ward about installing water meters. He said, "Most people get an estimated bill, which calculates their water charges according to the type and size of their property, and this can be very costly for people. For example, elderly people living alone in large houses may be paying far too much in water charges, above the amount they should be paying for the amount of water they actually use."

"I have spoken to many people in my ward who are in such circumstances, and are now particularly worried about their utility bills because of the economic downturn. I would definitely recommend to them that they switch to using a water meter, which is available to most residents in York free of charge. I have switched to using a water meter myself, and my water bills have been cut by roughly 30%. Water meters are also good for environmental reasons, as they allow people to keep track of how much water they are using, and may encourage people to use less."

Any savings depend on how much you pay now and how much water you use. It is not difficult to switch to a water meter; they can easily be installed by Yorkshire Water on request. They are usually installed outside if there is an external stop tap, otherwise they will be fitted inside the home close to the internal stop tap.

Water meters will be recommended in the Council's 'York on a Budget' booklet which is currently being updated and will be available shortly. They will also be promoted at the Council's drop-in event promoting a variety of things to help people save money, which is being held at the Guildhall on 9th December between 11am and 6pm.