Charges scheme 2010/11
Your
essential
guide
to our
charges scheme
2010/11
incorporating water supply,
sewerage services and
miscellaneous charges
NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
NORTHUMBRIAN WATER – Summary of Main Charges 2010/11
NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
Unmeasured Supplies Water Sewerage
Fixed Charge - General £80.00 £104.50
No Surface Drainage £65.60
Rateable Value Charge - (pence per £ R.V.) £0.4815 £0.5119
Assessed Charge - Standard £152.10 £178.90
Single Occupier £102.60 £133.80
Measured Supplies Water Sewerage Trade Effluent
Standing Charge - 15mm £33.30
20mm £33.30
30mm £81.00
35mm £138.00
40mm £176.40
50mm £295.20
65mm & above £504.00
General £70.70
No Surface Drainage £31.80
WaterSure - £141.00 £170.00
Surface Area Drainage - Charge Band
Band 1 - up to 350 m
2
£100.90
Band 2 - 351 to 750 m
2
£313.10
Band 3 - 751 to 1,500 m
2
£647.10
Band 4 - 1,501 to 2,500 m
2
£1,152.00
Band 5 - 2,501 to 5,000 m
2
£2,154.00
Band 6 - 5,001 to 7,500 m
2
£3,582.00
Band 7 - 7,501 to 10,000 m
2
£5,007.00
Band 8 - 10,001 to 15,000 m
2
£7,134.00
Band 9 - 15,001 to 25,000 m
2
£11,352.00
Band 10 - 25,001 to 50,000 m
2
£21,057.00
Band 11 - 50,001 to 75,000 m
2
£34,527.00
Band 12 - 75,001 to 100,000 m
2
£47,553.00
Band 13 - 100,001 to 125,000 m
2
£60,120.00
Band 14 - 125,001 to 150,000 m
2
£71,847.00
Band 15 - over 150,000 m
2
£89,049.00
Volume Charge - General £0.9902 £0.9017
(pence per cubic metre) Reception £0.2979
Volumetric £0.1460
Biological Volume £0.0810
Biological £0.1110
Sludge £0.1013
Large Users
Site Charge - focus20 £2,736.00
focusextra £11,400.00 £1,356.00
focusplus £34,800.00 £1,356.00
Volume Charge - focus20 £0.8664
(pence per cubic metre) focusextra £0.6931 £0.8747
focusplus £0.5595 £0.8747
focusplus > 2,500 ML / yr £0.4703 £0.8747
Teesside Industrial Raw Water
Site Charge
£10,430.00
Volume Charge £0.1807
NORTHUMBRIAN WATER LIMITED
CHARGES SCHEME 2010/11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................1
2 DEFINITIONS.................................................................................................................................................. 2
3 GENERAL PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................................................4
4 WATER SUPPLY CHARGES..........................................................................................................................7
4.1 Unmeasured Water Charges ...........................................................................................................................7
4.2 Measured Water Charges................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Optional Metering .......................................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Selective Metering ......................................................................................................................................... 14
4.5 Other Information about Charges .................................................................................................................. 15
4.6 Teesside Industrial Raw Water System ......................................................................................................... 16
5 SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL CHARGES ...................................................................................17
5.1 General Information about Sewerage Charges .............................................................................................17
5.2 Unmeasured Sewerage Charges...................................................................................................................17
5.3 Measured Sewerage Charges .......................................................................................................................18
5.4 Rebates In Relation To Surface Water Drainage...........................................................................................21
5.5 Other Sewerage Charges .............................................................................................................................. 23
6 WATERSURE - CHARGES FOR VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS.................................................................. 24
7 TIMING AND METHODS OF PAYMENT OF CHARGES - NORTHUMBRIAN REGION .............................. 29
8 TIMING AND METHODS OF PAYMENT OF CHARGES - ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION........................... 33
9 TRADE EFFLUENT CHARGES ....................................................................................................................37
10 INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES ...................................................................................................................41
11 MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES......................................................................................................................46
APPENDIX A SUMMARY OF CHARGES: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION................................................................... 48
APPENDIX B SUMMARY OF CHARGES: ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION ............................................................... 54
APPENDIX C MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES...........................................................................................................57
C.1 General Information About Miscellaneous Charges.......................................................................................57
C.2 Planning New Infrastructure and Connections...............................................................................................58
C.3 New Infrastructure and Connections..............................................................................................................59
C.4 Approving New Water Connections............................................................................................................... 61
C.5 Water Use During Development ....................................................................................................................61
C.6 Infrastructure And Connections No Longer Required ....................................................................................61
C.7 Self-Lay Charges...........................................................................................................................................62
C.8 Attendance on Site By NWL Technicians at Customer Request ................................................................... 62
C.9 Damage to Company Apparatus....................................................................................................................64
C.10 Supplementary Water Supply Services ......................................................................................................... 64
C.11 Supplementary Sewerage Services...............................................................................................................65
C.12 Meters............................................................................................................................................................66
C.13 Billing ............................................................................................................................................................. 68
C.14 Water Quality................................................................................................................................................. 68
C.15 Water Regulations Inspections ......................................................................................................................69
C.16 Fire Hydrants .................................................................................................................................................69
2010/11
1
1 INTRODUCTION
Our functions
(1) The environment is central to Northumbrian Water’s business and to the
quality of life. We take water from the environment, treat it and supply it to
our customers. We collect and treat their wastewater before returning it to
the environment. We will continually strive for improvements in our
environmental performance, the conservation of resources and the adoption
of best environmental practice. We are committed to the sustainable
management of the environment while continuing to give value for money to
our customers.
Charges
s
cheme
(2) This Charges Scheme is made by Northumbrian Water Limited
(Northumbrian
Water) under the provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991.
It applies to all charges made by Northumbrian Water for services provided
in the course of carrying out its functions as a water and sewage disposal
undertaker under its Instrument of Appointment made by the Secretary of
State for the Environment.
Charges
(3) This Charges Scheme sets out Northumbrian Water’s charges, terms and
conditions applicable for the charging year 2010/11. It also explains how
our charges are calculated, what the charges are, and states the necessary
legal requirements and responsibilities for both customer and Company.
For similar information relating to previous years, reference should be made
to the Charges Schemes of the years concerned.
Northumbrian
W
ater merger
with Essex &
Suffolk Water
(4) The provisions of this Charges Scheme apply to the area in North East
E
ngland served by Northumbrian Water (“Northumbrian Region”) and to the
areas in South East England previously served by Essex & Suffolk Water
(“Essex & Suffolk Region”) where Northumbrian Water operates under the
name Essex & Suffolk Water in those areas. Throughout the Charges
Scheme, unless specifically stated or the context requires otherwise,
references to “Northumbrian Water” should be taken to include both the
Northumbrian Region and the Essex & Suffolk Region. It should be noted,
however, that while we operate a common set of charging principles in these
regions, separate charges apply in each and there is no intention to
harmonise them, except where this is justified on the basis of cost (for
instance, a common set of meter standing charges applies in all areas).
There are also some differences in billing and payment arrangements
between the Northumbrian and Essex & Suffolk Regions and these are
noted where relevant. We will continue to review the scope for
harmonisation in these areas, where appropriate.
Services by
region
(5) Within the Essex & Suffolk Region, Northumbrian Water provides only water
services. Sewerage services continue to be supplied both by Anglian Water
Services Limited and by Thames Water Utilities Limited. In either case, the
charges schemes of those companies apply to sewerage charges raised in
their respective sewerage services areas. Northumbrian Water collects
sewerage services charges on behalf of and as agents for Thames Water
Utilities Limited within parts of the Essex & Suffolk Region.
Charges
s
cheme
approval
(6) This Charges Scheme has been approved by the Water Services Regulation
A
uthority (Ofwat) under powers conferred on it by the Water Industry Act,
1999. The specific charges contained within the scheme have, where
applicable, also been approved by the Water Services Regulation Authority
(Ofwat).
2010/11
2
2 DEFINITIONS
(7) A number of terms are used throughout this scheme; they normally have the
following meanings:
Definition of
s
tandard terms
(a) “water services charges” means a charge or any combination of charges
f
or water supply, and sewerage and sewage disposal services;
(b) “supplied property” relates to water services and means any property
which benefits from or is;
(i) receiving a supply of water or;
(ii) occupied by a person having the use of or right to use or benefit of
facilities (whether or not for the benefit of the property) in connection
with Northumbrian Water's water supply function;
(c) “connected property” relates to sewerage services and means any
property which benefits from or is;
(i) drained by a sewer or drain connecting either directly or through an
intermediate sewer or drain with a public sewer or sewage treatment
works provided by Northumbrian Water or;
(ii) occupied by persons having the use of or right to use or benefit of
facilities (whether or not for the benefit of the property) which drain to
a sewer or drain so connecting;
(d) “customer” means in the case of water services, the “Consumer”, as
defined in Section 93 (1) of the Water Industry Act 1991 and in respect
of other services means the person for whom a service is performed,
facilities provided or right made available in pursuance of Northumbrian
Water's water supply or sewerage and sewage disposal functions
(without prejudice to the foregoing this means the person provided with
or benefiting from water supply or sewerage or sewage disposal);
(e) “occupier” bears the same meaning as the word “occupier” in Section
144 of the Water Industry Act 1991;
(f) “hereditament”, “valuation list” and “valuation officer” shall have the
meanings assigned to them by Section 115 (1) of the General Rate Act
1967 as if that Act remained in force;
(g) “property” is the hereditament or if there is no hereditament it is land,
any interest in land or any easement or right in, on, under or over land;
(h) “household property” means a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette, chalet,
individual caravan or other similar premises being in each case used
solely as a single residential unit;
(i) “non-household property” means any property other than a household
property – for the definition of household property see above;
(j) “site” means any continuous area of land receiving the benefit of the
supply or service or land separated from that land only by the width of a
street and where the separated land is used by the same customer as
an integral part of the rest of the site;
(k) “domestic sewage” means discharge of waste water from customers’
premises that has been used for domestic purposes;
(l) “trade effluent” has the same meaning as in the Water Industry Act
2010/11
3
1991, s141, that is:
(i) means any liquid, either with or without particles of matter in
suspension in the liquid, which is wholly or partly produced in the
course of any trade or industry carried on at trade premises; and
(ii) in relation to any trade premises, means any such liquid which is so
produced in the course of any trade or industry carried on at those
premises,
(iii) but does not include domestic sewage.”
(m) “trade premises” also has the same meaning as in the Water Industry
Act 1991, s141, that is:
(i) “means … any premises used or intended to be used for carrying on
any trade or industry”, subject to the qualifications mentioned in
subsection (2) thereof.
(n) “rateable value” means the net annual value shown on the valuation list
made under Section 67 General Rate Act 1967 that was applicable at 31
March 1990;
(o) “infrastructure charges” means the charge applicable for first time
connection of premises, or for the redevelopment of premises previously
connected, to a public water supply or to a public sewer for household
purposes. When such premises are connected, costs are incurred in
extending the local network. These costs are met by developers and by
customers in such premises.
(8) In this Scheme words in the singular shall include the plural and vice-versa
e
xcept where the context otherwise requires.
2010/11
4
3 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
3.1 APPLICABLE CHARGES
Applicable
period of this
charges scheme
(9) This Scheme shall come into effect on 1 April 2010 and shall, subject to
paragraph (10), remain in force until revoked, amended or modified by
Northumbrian Water.
Standard
charges
(10) The charges made by Northumbrian Water for the year commencing 1 April
2010 are set out in the Appendices to this Scheme. The charges that apply
within the Northumbrian Region are shown in Appendix A and those that
apply within the Essex & Suffolk Region are shown in Appendix B. These
charges may be varied as deemed necessary by Northumbrian Water
without amendment to this Scheme.
Miscellaneous
c
harges
(11) Miscellaneous Charges currently applicable in the Northumbrian Region and
those applicable in the Essex & Suffolk Region appear in Appendix C.
These charges may be varied as deemed necessary by Northumbrian Water
without amendment to this Scheme.
Licence
obligations
(12) Northumbrian Water is required to ensure that its charges are such as not to
show undue preference to, or discriminate unduly against, any class of
persons. In addition, Northumbrian Water is required to ensure that its level
of charges does not exceed the Charges Limit specified by the Secretary of
State in its Instrument of Appointment.
VAT
(13)
VAT has been applied to water supply charges to industry since 1 July 1990.
H.M. Revenue and Customs (HRMC) defines “industry” as businesses
included in Divisions 1 to
5 of the 1980 Standard Industrial Classification.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied to charges to businesses in these
categories at the level determined by HRMC.
VAT Exceptions
(14) Value Added Tax (VAT) will be charged to all non-household customers
u
nless Northumbrian Water has accepted that their activities do not fall
within Divisions 1 to 5 of the 1980 Standard Industrial Classification. All
non-household customers are asked to complete a VAT declaration when
they register with Northumbrian Water as a customer.
3.2 LIABILITY FOR CHARGES
Chargeable
properties
(15) Water charges will be applied to any supplied property and sewerage
charges to any connected property, as defined in section 2.
Liability for
charges
(16) Liability to pay charges is confined to those persons who are “occupiers”
within the meaning of Section 144 of the Water Industry Act 1991, save in
those circumstances where the Act itself otherwise provides. The meaning
of “occupier” is essentially similar to that used in the field of rating, as
elucidated in case law. In most landlord and tenant situations the result will
be that it is the tenant who is to be charged as occupier and not the landlord.
The significant exceptions include the case of holiday lets, the case of
lodgers and bed and breakfast accommodation, where the occupation of the
tenants is too transient. In such cases the landlord will be treated as being
in occupation.
2010/11
5
Multiple
customers
(17) Where more than one person is the customer in respect of a single supplied
property or more than one person is a customer in respect of a single
connected property then each such customer shall be jointly and severally
liable for all charges arising in respect of that supplied or connected property
and Northumbrian Water may collect all charges in respect of the supplied
property or connected property from any one of the said customers.
Single supplies
(18) Unless agreed otherwise by Northumbrian Water, water and sewerage
services are charged and provided to a property on the basis that those
services are to be used solely for the benefit of that property. Northumbrian
Water may charge the customer at either property for the services to a
second property as if it was provided with its own direct services. If services
provided to one property are used by the occupier of another property or for
the benefit of another property
, these services must be metered.
Northumbrian Water can recover from the occupier the costs of any services
provided prior to their being metered. In the case of non-household
properties Northumbrian Water may withdraw the services it provides to that
property.
New occupiers /
Moving house
(19) A new occupier of a supplied or connected property must notify
Northumbrian Water of the date they are to become liable for charges and
provide all details reasonably required by Northumbrian Water for its
charging purposes before they take benefit from the services provided.
Northumbrian Water can recover from the occupier the costs of any services
that have been provided to that date. In the case of non-household
properties Northumbrian Water may withdraw the services it provides to that
property.
Moving house
(20) As stated in paragraphs (95) and (100), all new properties (both household
and non-household) are required to be metered. Existing properties may be
unmetered or metered. Customers planning to move to an existing property
within the company’s area of supply may telephone 0845 733 5566
(Northumbrian Region) or 0845 782 0111 (Essex & Suffolk Region) to obtain
information on the basis upon which they will pay charges for that property.
Charges for
v
acant
properties
(21) Charges for water and sewerage services remain due in full whilst a property
contains furnishings and fittings or when a property is unfurnished and water
is being used for any purpose including refurbishment.
Charges for
vacant
properties -
water charges
(22) If Northumbrian Water has turned off the supply of water at the mains to a
property at a customer’s request then water supply charges are not payable.
Charges for
vacant
properties -
sewerage
charges
(23) If the supply of water is turned off and the property is unfurnished the
property
is considered unoccupied and sewerage charges are not payable.
If, however, the supply of water is turned off and the property remains
furnished it is considered ready for occupation and in this case sewerage
charges in respect of the drainage of surface water and contribution to
highway drainage continue to be payable, where Northumbrian Water deem
it economical to do so. In the case of unmeasured properties, these
charges will be equal to those that would apply were the property metered
but no foul effluent discharges made to the public sewer.
Charges for
v
acant
properties -
metering option
(24) Where water is being used in small quantities such as for refurbishment,
occupiers of unmeasured properties may wish to opt for a meter to pay a
charge that is cost reflective of the water consumed.
(25) If Northumbrian Water takes action through the County Court to recover
2010/11
6
County Court -
fee recovery
from defendant
outstanding debts, Northumbrian Water may recover costs and fees from
the defendant in accordance with the rates stipulated by the Lord
Chancellor's Department as varied from time to time.
3.3 COMPLAINTS
Contact details
for
Northumbrian
Water’s
complaints team
(26)
We aim to deal with queries and complaints speedily and satisfactorily.
However, if you are unhappy with our response, you should write to the
relevant address for your region for a review of the decision:
Northumbrian Region Essex & Suffolk Region
Complaints Review Team
Northumbrian Water Ltd
P O Box 200
Durham
DH1 9WG
Customer Services Manager
Essex & Suffolk Water
P O Box 600
Durham
DH1 9NW
Telephone: 0845 717 1100 Telephone: 0845 782 0999
Contact details
f
or CCWater’s
complaints team
(27) If you remain dissatisfied with the way your complaint has been handled,
you may refer the matter to the relevant local Consumer Council for Water
which will act on your behalf. The relevant addresses are:
Northumbrian Region Essex & Suffolk Region
Consumer Council for Water
8th floor, Northgate House
St. Augustine’s Way
Darlington
DL1 1XA
Consumer Council for Water
Carlyle House
Carlyle Road
Cambridge
CB4 3DN
Telephone: 0845 708 9367
01325 464 222
Fax: 01325 369 269
Email: northum[email protected]
Telephone: 0845 795 9369
01223 323 889
Fax: 01223 323 930
Email: eastern@ccwater.org.uk
3.4 COMPETITION REGIME
Competition
(28) Under the competition regime that came into force on 1 December 2005,
n
on-household customers who are likely to be supplied with at least 50
megalitres of water a year at eligible premises may choose for their water to
be supplied by newly licensed companies (“licensees”).
(29) This Charges Scheme does not deal with the terms and conditions of the
new arrangements that Northumbrian Water may enter into with licensees.
For these, please refer to the latest version of our Access Code, available
on our website, www.nwl.co.uk or www.eswater.co.uk.
3.5 OTHER INFORMATION
Available
l
eaflets
(30) A number of leaflets are produced by Northumbrian Water and are available
free of charge, on request or from our websites.
2010/11
7
4 WATER SUPPLY CHARGES
Types of
customer
(31) There are two classes of customer;
(a) unmeasured, where the supply of water is not charged by meter, and;
(b) measured, where the supply of water is charged by meter.
4.1 UNMEASURED WATER CHARGES
4.1.1 Standard Unmeasured Water Tariff
Structure of
u
nmeasured
charge
(32) The annual tariff for unmeasured supplies to a supplied property shall
consist of;
(a) A fixed charge, and;
(b) A charge based on the rateable value of that property.
Opting for a
meter
(33) Under the Water Industry Act 1999, all household customers have the right
to request that a meter be fitted to their supply at no direct charge to
themselves. All conditions relating to the installation of a water meter are
detailed under section 4.3 below.
Alterations to
unmetered
household
properties
(34) Where the nature of any alterations to a household property is to bring it
within the scope of the provisions of section 4.4, “Selective Metering”, below,
then the company will require a meter to be fitted, but not otherwise.
Alterations to
unmetered non-
household
properties
(35) Where an unmeasured non-household property is substantially altered, the
company may require a meter to be installed at its discretion. This is
consistent with our policy of metering non-household properties generally
(see section 4.4, “Selective Metering”, below).
4.1.2 Rateable Value
Rateable value
c
harge
(36) The annual rateable value charge is produced by multiplying a rate in the
pound of rateable value by the rateable value of the property.
Rateable value
(37) Subject to the exclusions described in paragraph (40) below, for charging
purposes, the rateable value of a property that was applicable at 31 March
1990 shall not be changed as a result of any alteration to that property or
change in valuation for that property shown in the list maintained under the
Local Government Finance Act 1992 or under Section 41 or 52 of the Local
Government Finance Act 1988.
New properties
(38) Charges for services to supplied or connected properties that come into
existence and do not appear in the Valuation List at 31 March 1990 shall
become applicable and be apportioned from the date the service
commenced, even if that date was before 1 April 1990.
Applicable date
o
f valuations
(39) An alteration made in the valuation list shall, for the purpose of calculating
the amount due in respect of water services charges, take effect from the
effective date detailed in the Rating List or in the Schedule of Alterations
published by the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue. Any necessary
adjustments to charges shall be made in the then current instalment of
2010/11
8
charges and any subsequent instalments thereof.
Splits and
mergers
(40) A property that was listed as under alteration in the Valuation List at 31
March 1990 or in the opinion of Northumbrian Water has been significantly
altered, merged with another, or split into parts or demolished since 31
March 1990 or comes into existence that does not appear in the Valuation
List at 31 March 1990 shall be treated for the purposes of this Charges
Scheme as a new property if it appears in a valuation list which is
maintained under the Local Government Finance Act 1992 or under Section
41 or 52 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 or if it does not appear
on such a list, would have appeared as a separate item in the Valuation List
had it been brought into rating prior to 31 March 1990.
Setting notional
r
ateable values
(41) Where a property does not have a rateable value or is exempt from rating or
is shown as a property under alteration in the Valuation List at 31 March
1990 a fixed charge or a notional rateable value may be agreed or fixed by
Northumbrian Water and for the purposes of section 4 “rateable value” shall
include a notional value so fixed.
(42) When fixing such a notional value, Northumbrian Water may take into
account the valuation of that property shown in the list maintained under
Section 41 or 52 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
Setting notional
rateable values
for altered
properties
(43) Where the nature of any alternations to a household property do not bring it
within the scope of section 4.4, “Selective Metering”, in order to maintain
comparability in charging for similar properties, Northumbrian Water
reserves the right to set a notional rateable value for charging purposes, in
place of the valuation in the Valuation List of 31 March 1990.
4.1.3 Other Unmeasured Water Tariffs
Unmetered
trough and field
supplies
(44) Certain existing cattle trough and field supplies are not yet metered and until
such time as meters are installed, these supplies will be charged in
accordance with section 4.1.1.
4.2 MEASURED WATER CHARGES
4.2.1 Standard Measured Water Tariff
Format of
m
etered
charges
(45) The annual tariff made in respect of water supplied through a meter will
normally consist of:
(a) A fixed charge based on size of each meter installed, plus;
(b) A volumetric charge made on the consumption recorded through each
meter.
4.2.2 Large User Water Tariffs
Focus tariffs for
l
arge users
(46) Alternatively, in respect of a single site at which at least one meter records
o
r is likely to record an annual consumption in excess of 10,000 cubic
metres, customers may opt to pay on the basis of one of three optional
tariffs. These comprise:
(a) A non-refundable annual fixed charge per site, payable by monthly
instalments from 1 April to 1 March each year. This is in place of the
fixed charges relating to the meters installed on the site that would be
2010/11
9
payable under (45) above.
(b) For all consumption, a volumetric charge less than that applicable to
customers paying on the basis of (45) above.
Focus20 tariff
(47) For customers whose consumption is over 20,000, but below 50,000 cubic
metres per year our focus20 tariff is likely to be most beneficial option. The
exact savings against standard tariffs will depend upon the number and size
of meters installed on the site (and therefore the fixed charges that would
otherwise be payable on the basis of (45) above).
Focusextra tariff
(48) For customers with consumption above these levels but below 175,000
cubic metres per year our focusextra tariff is likely to be most beneficial.
Focusplus and
s
uper large user
tariffs
(49) Finally, for customers with consumption above 175,000 cubic metres, our
focusplus
tariff will show the greatest savings against standard charges.
Additionally under this option:
• In the Northumbrian Region, a lower unit charge applies to all
consumption in excess of two million five hundred thousand cubic
metres per year than for that on consumption below this figure.
• In the Essex & Suffolk Region, a lower unit charge applies to all
consumption in excess of one million cubic metres per year than for that
on consumption below this figure.
Notification of
focus tariffs
(50) Northumbrian Water will, prior to 1 April 2010, notify those customers whom
it considers, on the basis of their recent consumption history, may benefit
from any of these tariff options and will be pleased to advise any other
customers upon receipt of their estimated consumption for the charging
year.
4.2.3 Information About Meters
Metered
p
roperties
(51) All new properties (both household and non-household) will be required to
be metered. This includes any connection to be used wholly or partially for
supplying water for firefighting purposes.
(52) Unmeasured household customers may opt to have a free meter installed
under the optant programme detailed in Section 4.3.
(53) Northumbrian Water may require some properties to have a meter installed
as detailed under the selective metering programme as detailed in Section
4.4.
Standard terms
and conditions
for metered
customers
(54) The provision of a metered supply is subject to Northumbrian Water's
standard terms and conditions of a metered supply unless otherwise agreed
by Northumbrian Water. All measured customers, including those who have
not signed a meter agreement, shall be subject to Northumbrian Water's
standard terms and conditions of a metered supply. Northumbrian Water's
terms and conditions of a metered supply may be varied by Northumbrian
Water from time to time. Where more than one person is a customer in
respect of a single supplied property each such customer shall be jointly
liable for the charges arising in respect of that supplied property.
O
wnership of
meters and
remote reading
devices
(55) The water meter and any remote reading device, if fitted, are the property of
the company. The company shall be responsible for the maintenance of the
meter. Where a meter has been fitted either externally within the boundary
of the customer’s property or internally, the customer must allow the
company or its representatives reasonable access for the purposes of
2010/11
10
reading the meter, maintaining it and replacing it when necessary. The
customer will have a duty of care in respect of the meter and meter chamber
in these circumstances. If the meter is installed other than within the
boundary of a customer’s property, the maintenance, access and safety of
the meter will solely be the responsibility of the company.
Accuracy of
meters
(56) In respect of the accuracy of meters, testing of meters, expenses of testing,
method of proof and affect of meter reading, notice of vacation and liability
for charges, and offences of tampering with meters, the requirements of the
Water Industry Act 1991 and the Water (Meters) Regulations 1988, will
apply.
Tampering with
m
eters
(57) It is an offence, under the Water (Meters) Regulations 1988, to tamper with
a
meter or any remote reading device. Northumbrian Water reserves the
right to charge a customer should their meter or remote reading device be
removed or tampered with in any way.
Changing
m
eters by
Northumbrian
Water
(58) Northumbrian Water may exchange an existing meter for one of a different
size, if in its view this is more appropriate to a customer’s
circumstances.
No charge will be made for this.
Changing
meters at the
customers
request
(59) Where a customer asks for an existing meter to be replaced with a meter of
different size or requests the meter and/or its associated remote reading
device be relocated, Northumbrian Water will relocate the meter within the
limits of its meter location policy and make an appropriate charge to cover
the costs of such change. No charge will be made where the meter and/or
remote reading device relocation is requested to facilitate meter reading for
elderly or disabled customers.
Common supply
pipes
(60) Where two or more properties in separate occupation are supplied by a
common water supply pipe which is metered and there is no meter
agreement in force under which one customer has agreed to pay the
charges applicable in respect of all the said properties, then each customer
shall be jointly liable for charges calculated in accordance with paragraph
(45) and Northumbrian Water may, at its discretion, apportion the said
charges to each customer.
Standby supply
a
greements
(61) When a customer chooses an alternative or additional supply to that
provided to the site from the Northumbrian Water mains supply and requires
Northumbrian Water to provide facilities that would enable the customer to
take additional supplies on an intermittent basis or that would serve as an
emergency or standby provision, Northumbrian Water may require that the
customer enter into an agreement to pay such additional sums as may be
necessary to ensure that the costs of providing such facilities are met.
4.2.4 Meter Reading and Billing
Meter reading
frequency and
estimated bills
(62) Meter readings will be taken at such intervals as Northumbrian Water may
determine. On occasions when Northumbrian Water does not obtain an
actual reading, an account may be rendered on the basis of estimated
consumption.
Definition of
‘
actual reading’
(63) An ‘actual meter reading’ means any reading taken directly from a meter or
supplied by any remote reading device associated with a meter.
Amendment of
e
stimated bill
(64) Estimated bills will be amended on the basis of a meter reading supplied by
the customer, unless there is reason to doubt the accuracy of this. In the
2010/11
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latter case, we will endeavour to make an appointment to re-visit the
property to take a meter reading and, if necessary, check the accuracy of
the meter.
Northumbrian
region billing
(65) Northumbrian Region
(a) When a measured bill is raised for a period that commences before 1
April and ends on or after 1 April, the charges shall be apportioned into
sub-periods on a daily basis between the start of the period covered by
the bill and 31 March and the period from 1 April until the end of the
period covered by the bill. Each sub-period so apportioned will then be
charged at the tariffs of the relevant charging year.
Essex & Suffolk
r
egion billing
(66) Essex & Suffolk Region
(a) When a measured bill is raised for a period that commences before 1
April and ends on or after 1 April, the volume charges shall be
apportioned into sub-periods on a daily basis between the start of the
period covered by the bill and 31 March and the period from and
including 1 April until the end of the period covered by the bill. Each
sub-period so apportioned will then be charged at the tariffs of the
relevant charging year.
(b) Standing Charges, regardless of the period covered by the volume
charges, are levied for standard periods and issues of apportioning
between charging years do not arise.
4.2.5 Leakage Allowances for Water
Leakage
allowances for
household
customers
(67) For household customers, any allowance for water lost through leakage will
be in accordance with the company’s Code of Practice on Leakage.
Su
pply pipe
leakage
(68) In situations where a supply pipe leak is repaired by Northumbrian Water in
l
ine with its supply pipe leakage policy, it will be responsible for all aspects
of the work including turn off/on of the stop tap. Northumbrian Water will
only install a stop tap or repair an existing one at its cost where a turn off at
the boundary is essential to carrying out the supply pipe repair.
Supply pipe
r
epair
(69) Our supply pipe leakage policy details certain situations when we will not
undertake a free repair, for example where pipes are located under
buildings. In such situations where the supply pipe repair has to be carried
out by the customer and a stop tap installation/repair is required to allow the
repair, Northumbrian Water will undertake the stop tap work at its cost.
Leakage
allowances for
non-household
customers
(70) For non-household customers no allowance for leakage is given against
water supply charges.
4.2.6 Allowance for Water Used for Firefighting Purposes
Water for
firefighting
purposes
(71) Where it can be demonstrated that water has been used for firefighting
purposes an allowance will be given against a customer’s water bill. Any
such claim should be made within 30 days of the date of issue of the bill.
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4.3 OPTIONAL METERING
4.3.1 Optional Metering for Household Customers
Right to a free
water meter
(72) Under the Water Industry Act 1999, all household customers have the right
to request that a meter be fitted to their supply at no direct charge to
themselves. Details of the company’s current Household Optional Metering
Scheme are available on request. This leaflet includes an application form
for the customer to complete if he wishes to proceed. The receipt by the
company from the customer of a completed application form will serve as a
measured charges notice.
Pr
eferred
locations for
water meters
(73) The preferred location for the meter installation is in an existing boundary
box. If an existing boundary box is not available, the water meter will
normally be fitted in Northumbrian Water’s next preferred location according
to Northumbrian Water’s meter location policy in force at the time of
installation.
(74) If a customer requests the meter to be fitted in an alternative location which
is acceptable to Northumbrian Water, the customer may be asked to bear
any resulting additional costs reasonably incurred thereby as compared to
installation in Northumbrian Water’s preferred location, which can be
obtained by contacting Northumbrian Water.
Common billing
agreements for
multiple
occupation
properties
(75) Domestic properties in multiple-occupation where customers cannot be
individually metered will be eligible for a free optional meter for the whole
building, provided that the occupants agree that they wish to be charged on
a measured basis and that one person accepts overall responsibility for the
payment of measured bills. Northumbrian Water will enter into a common
billing agreement with this person for payment of charges. An optional
meter will not be fitted to such properties until Northumbrian Water is
satisfied on both these points.
Timescale for
i
nstalling
optional meters
(76) Optional meters for households will normally be fitted within 90 days of
receiving a customer’s confirmation of his wish to proceed with the
installation. Where this period is exceeded, the customer’s bills will be
calculated as though the meter had been installed by the due date. As such
a zero volume will be charged until the bill following the first meter reading.
Exceptions to
installing
optional meters
(77) Northumbrian Water will endeavour to fit a meter to a supply whenever
requested to do so. However, in some cases this may not be possible,
either because it would involve unreasonable cost or is in any case not
technically feasible.
Reasonable
costs for
installing an
optional water
meter
(78) The reasonable costs associated with the installation of a meter include:
• Provision of a meter;
• The cost of installation in the preferred location or another normal
location (see (73) above);
• Normal reinstatement costs;
• The provision of an remote reading device where the company
considers this is necessary;
• In some circumstances, usually associated with multi-occupied
dwellings, the installation of a second meter.
Unreasonable
c
osts for
(79) Conversely, unreasonable costs may include, but are not limited to, the
2010/11
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installing an
optional water
meter
following:
• The cost of separating the customer’s supply pipe where this is shared
with other customers;
• The cost of material alterations to existing plumbing;
• The cost of installing more than one meter, in circumstances other than
those referred to above.
Survey reports
(80) If the installation of a meter is refused on grounds of unreasonable cost or
infeasibility, the customer will be given a survey report that details the
reasons for refusal and, where appropriate, indicates the alterations that
would first be required either to the customer’s property or to the nature of
his water supply in order for the application for the installation of a meter at
no cost to be successful.
Assessed
C
harges
(81) If, in the above circumstances, the customer declines to make such
alterations as may be required, or the installation of a meter is infeasible in
any case, the customer will be given the choice either of remaining on his
existing unmeasured charge or of being charged on the basis of assessed
consumption.
(82) The assessed consumption figure will be 120m
3
per property per year,
except for single person households which will be 70m
3
per year.
(83) Assessed charges are only available to household customers.
Notification in
change of
circumstance
(84) Where an assessed consumption charge is based upon the property being a
single person household, it is the customer’s responsibility to inform
Northumbrian Water immediately if this is no longer the case. In the event
that any revised assessed charge exceeds the alternative unmeasured
charges based on rateable value the customer may revert to the latter.
Reassessment
o
f properties
deemed
unmeterable at
reasonable cost
(85) Where a customer chooses to pay on the basis of an assessed consumption
ch
arge, Northumbrian Water reserves the right to reassess from time to time
the feasibility of fitting a meter to the property. In the event that on such an
occasion Northumbrian Water determines that a meter may now be fitted at
no direct cost to the customer, assessed consumption charges will no longer
apply and the customer must agree either that the meter installation proceed
or to revert to normal unmeasured charges, based upon rateable value. If
the customer agrees to the installation of a meter, he will subsequently have
the same right to revert to an unmeasured basis of charge as provided for
other household meter optants in paragraph (87) below.
Automatic
r
eversion of
assessed
charges to
unmeasured
charges
(86) When a customer vacates a property which is charged an “Assessed
Charge” the property will revert to normal unmeasured charges, based upon
rateable value. The new occupier will have the right to apply for an optional
meter and the feasibility of the property for metering will be reassessed.
Reversion to
unmeasured
charges at
customers
request
(87) Subject to the provisions of the Optional Metering Scheme, the owner or
occupier of a household dwelling property may only revert from a metered
water supply to an unmetered supply if the request for reversion is made in
writing up to one month following the issue by Northumbrian Water of
sufficient bills to enable consumption over the 12 months following the meter
installation to be properly evaluated. In the event of a change of ownership
or occupancy within this period, the right to revert to an unmeasured basis of
charge will not transfer to subsequent owners or occupiers and charges will
remain on a measured basis.
(88) If a property is covered by the selective metering policy, as described in
2010/11
14
paragraph (95), then charges will continue to be levied on a measured
basis.
Meter status on
reversion of
charges at
customers
request
(89) Where an owner or occupier has reverted to an unmeasured basis of charge
the meter will remain in place and on future change of owner or occupier
charges will be raised on a metered basis.
Reversion to
unmeasured
charges
(90) In all other circumstances, once a supply has been charged by meter, the
charges for that supply will not revert to an unmeasured basis of charge.
Charging for
further reversion
back to metered
charges
(91) If, following reversion to an unmeasured supply as provided in (87) above,
the original applicant again requests that the supply to his property be
charged on a measured basis, a charge will be made equal to that for a mid-
term meter reading. In no circumstances will further reversion to
unmeasured charges be allowed.
Right of appeal
(92) Where Northumbrian Water refuses to install a meter free of charge, the
cu
stomer will have the right to have his case determined by the Water
Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat).
4.3.2 Optional Metering for Non-Household Customers
Opting for a
meter for non-
household
properties
(93) Non-household customers who are currently unmetered may also apply for
the installation of a meter. In this case, however, a charge is payable unless
the property already has an existing boundary box. The current level of
charge appears in the Miscellaneous Charges Appendix (Appendix C). The
meter will be installed within 15 working days of receiving the customer’s
payment.
Selective
metering for
non-household
properties
(94) Customers should also note that it is our policy to require the majority of
business properties to be metered in any case (see 4.4 below). Further
details are available on request.
4.4 SELECTIVE METERING
4.4.1 Household Properties
Selective
m
etering policy
for household
properties
(95) It is our policy to meter the following categories of household property;
• All new properties.
• Properties where water is used in significant quantities for discretionary
purposes, including:
• For garden watering, other than by hand-held apparatus. This
includes the use of sprinklers;
• For the automatic replenishing of ponds or swimming pools with a
capacity greater than 10,000 litres.
Notification of
cases where
selective
metering applies
(96) Unmeasured bills will draw attention to the requirement for such uses to be
charged by meter and customers will be required to notify Northumbrian
Water if they are using water for any of the purposes mentioned in
paragraph (95). Arrangements will be then made to fit a meter at no cost to
the customer.
Metering on
c
hange of
occupier
(97) Where there has been a change in the occupation of a household property
and no charges have yet been demanded from the person who has become
the occupier, Northumbrian Water may install a meter and begin to fix the
2010/11
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charges in respect of the property by reference to volume.
Charging during
the change over
between
unmeasured
and measured
charges
(98) If a property becomes metered as a result of the Company’s selective
metering programme, metered charges, based on the new meter, will
commence from the date of installation. Once the meter has been installed
the Company will raise a backdated charge covering the date of occupation
to the date of installation. This charge will be calculated using the previous
unmetered charge.
Supplementary
charges
(99) Where properties have characteristics that would normally require selective
metering but the installation of a meter would incur unreasonable cost or is
in any case infeasible, in addition to normal unmeasured charges,
supplementary charges for sprinklers, ponds and swimming pools will apply,
where relevant.
4.4.2 Non-Household Properties
(100) All new non-household properties will be metered, including any connection
t
o be used wholly or partially to supply water for firefighting purposes.
Selective
metering of non-
household
properties
(101) It is our policy to meter business properties wherever practicable and we
have a programme to selectively meter the majority of those non-household
properties that are currently unmeasured. This includes non-household
properties whose use of water is mainly or solely for household purposes
and mixed use (part household and part non-household) premises where
the non-household
part is the principal use of the premises supplied.
Northumbrian Water may also require the owner/occupier to take water by
meter when the property is in multiple occupation i.e. a guest house, nursing
home, lodgings etc.
(102) There is no charge for the meter installation in such cases.
4.5 OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT CHARGES
4.5.1 Disconnection
Standard
c
harges for
other water
service activities
(103) Northumbrian Water has concluded that the best balance between equity
and practicability in administering connection, disconnection, reconnection,
temporary isolation and restoration charges is achieved by the use of
standard charges, wherever possible. Such standard charges will be fixed
by Northumbrian Water having regard to the costs incurred, including those
costs relating to the necessary administration.
Publication of
standard
charges
(104) Appendix C lists standard connection, disconnection, reconnection and other
charges applicable from 1 April annually. The standard charges quoted
apply for works carried out during normal working hours on normal working
days under standard work conditions. In other instances, Northumbrian
Water may make additional charges for the services. Where a standard
charge is not specified, works will be charged on a basis pre-agreed with the
customer.
Disconnection
f
or non-payment
(105) Northumbrian Water will not disconnect the following premises for non-
p
ayment of water services charges:
• private dwelling houses (including mixed use premises where a person
has their home);
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• domestic caravans;
• houseboats;
• houses in multiple occupation;
• residential care homes, nursing homes and residential homes for the
elderly;
• children’s homes and day care centres;
• schools and other educational establishments;
• prisons and detention centres;
• police, fire and ambulance stations.
(106) All other premises may be disconnected for non-payment of water services
charges.
Disconnection of
u
nmeasured
supplies
(107) Where a customer requests the disconnection of an unmeasured supply that
also serves other customers, he must first install a separate supply so that
his disconnection can be carried out unless agreed otherwise by
Northumbrian Water.
4.5.2 Disconnection of Non-Household Supplies
Reconnection of
non-household
properties
(108) Where a non-household water supply is disconnected for non-payment it will
not be reconnected until the customer has made arrangements to pay the
amount owing plus the expense of the disconnection and reconnection.
Charges for
payment
collection
(109) If a member of Northumbrian Water’s staff has to visit a customer to collect
outstanding charges, or payment is received when a member of staff has
visited a property to effect disconnection for non-payment, Northumbrian
Water may recover its expenses as if the water supply had been
disconnected.
4.5.3 Security Deposits for Non-Household Properties
Security
D
eposits
(110) Following non-payment, disconnection due to non-payment or repeated
breach of any terms and conditions of supply in respect of a non-household
property, Northumbrian Water reserves the right to demand a deposit of up
to 12 months charges in respect of future estimated charges prior to
reconnecting or agreeing to supply.
Return of
Security Deposit
(111) Such a deposit will be held by Northumbrian Water for a period of 12 months
and may be used during that period to discharge any outstanding balances
due from the Customer. On expiry of the 12 month period Northumbrian
Water will return the deposit, or such balance that remains, to the Customer
together with interest calculated at the prevailing rate.
4.6 TEESSIDE INDUSTRIAL RAW WATER SYSTEM
Industrial Raw
Water
(112) Charges for the supply of water from the Teesside Industrial Raw Water
System are shown in Appendix A.
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5 SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL CHARGES
(113) NOTE Northumbrian Water only supplies sewerage and sewage disposal
services in the Northumbrian Region. In the Essex & Suffolk Region, these
services are provided either by Anglian Water Services Limited or Thames
Water Utilities Limited.
5.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SEWERAGE CHARGES
Liability for
charges
(114) All customers, as defined in paragraph (7), are liable for Northumbrian
Water’s charge for sewerage and sewage disposal which is also referred to
as a “sewerage charge” or “sewerage services charge”.
United Utilities
a
nd Hartlepool
Water
(115) The charges for sewerage and sewage disposal services provided to
properties within the water supply areas of United Utilities Water Ltd and
Hartlepool Water plc are included on bills rendered by those Companies and
are payable in accordance with the instructions issued by those Companies.
Properties
covered by the
charge
(116) Charges payable under any paragraph of Section 5 are payable in respect of
every connected property whether this service, facility or right is in
connection with foul and/or other discharges, including surface water and
roof water drainage. Reductions in sewerage services charges are available
in certain circumstances, as specified elsewhere within this section of the
Charges Scheme.
(117) If, in respect of low rated properties and separately rated garages that are
being used solely for household purposes, Northumbrian Water is of the
view that the costs of billing and recovering the charges will exceed the
income, then the charge may be waived for those properties.
(118) Trade effluent charges may also be payable in accordance with Section 9.
Types of
c
ustomer
(119) In pursuit of the objectives set in paragraph (16), there will be two classes of
customer:
(a) The unmeasured class.
(b) The measured class.
Properties to be
charged on a
measured basis
(120) All new properties are required to pay for both water and sewerage services
on a measured basis, as are properties that are split into parts or merged
with others.
5.2 UNMEASURED SEWERAGE CHARGES
Structure of
unmeasured
charge
(121) For the unmeasured class of customer, charges are calculated with
reference to:
(a) A fixed charge, and;
(b) The rateable value of the connected properties.
(122) For household customers, the cost of reception, treatment and disposal of
discharges other than foul water, including highway drainage, surface water
drainage, including water from roofs and common areas, residual
discharges, including infiltration etc,
are recovered within the fixed charge.
The costs of reception, treatment and disposal of foul discharges are divided
2010/11
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between the fixed and rateable value elements.
Properties
connected for
surface water
drainage only -
unmeasured
customers
(123) Northumbrian Water may make a charge less than the unmeasured
sewerage services charge if a customer's only benefit or right to benefit from
the sewerage service is from a facility or drain that has been designated by
Northumbrian Water to be used only for surface water. Under such
circumstances, the value of the sewerage services charge shall be the
amount of the charge that would be calculated if the connected property was
occupied by a measured class of customer who made no foul effluent
discharge to the public sewer.
Rateable value
charge
(124) The annual rateable value charge is produced by multiplying a rate in the
pound of rateable value by the rateable value of the property.
Rateable Value
(125) The rateable value of the property will be determined as described in section
4
.1.2.
5.3 MEASURED SEWERAGE CHARGES
5.3.1 Standard Measured Sewerage Charges
Metered
customers
(126) For charging purposes, the measured class of customer will be those
customers receiving and being charged for water supplies by metered
connections, or through a water abstraction licensed by the Environment
Agency.
Structure of
m
easured
charge
(127) For the measured class of customer, the recovery of the costs associated
w
ith providing sewerage services is on the following basis:
(a) For foul discharges, a volumetric charge calculated by reference to the
quantity of water registered on the water supply meter and/or water
resource authorised licensed abstraction quantity.
(b) For other discharges, including highway drainage, surface water
drainage including water from roofs and common areas, residual
discharges including infiltration etc, one of the following will apply:
(i) A fixed charge per household property.
(ii) For non-household properties a charge based upon the chargeable
area of the site as detailed in section 5.3.4.
Non-returns
a
llowance
(128) The volumetric charge for foul discharges is made on the principle that water
entering a property will equal water leaving a property, although it is
accepted that a proportion of water supplied will not necessarily enter the
sewer. A standard 5% non-return allowance is therefore made within the
calculation of the volumetric rate of charge, which is then applied to the total
metered quantity of water for the period in question.
(129) Where there are losses of water in excess of the standard non-returns
allowance due to processes carried on in the property, or where water is not
discharged to a public sewer or treatment works, additional allowances
against metered quantities may be given at Northumbrian Water's
discretion.
(130) Such allowances will be calculated by facts, estimates, engineering aspects
and other formulae, as considered relevant by Northumbrian Water. For the
purpose of this charge, the readings on any water meter or meters supplying
the properties concerned shall be prima facie evidence of water entering
2010/11
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connected properties.
(131) Allowances, additional allowances or adjustments to allowances will apply
from 1 April in the charging year in which the intention to claim, introduce or
review the allowance was first made in writing by the customer or
Northumbrian Water.
5.3.2 Large User Tariff for Sewerage
Sewerage large
u
ser tariff
(132) Alternatively, in respect of a single site at which is likely to discharge in
e
xcess of 50,000 cubic metres of foul sewage on an annual basis
(determined in accordance with (127)(a) above), customers may opt to pay
for their domestic sewage on the basis of an optional sewerage tariff. This
comprises:
(i) A non-refundable annual fixed charge per site, payable by monthly
instalments from 1 April to 1 March each year.
(ii) For volume discharged, a volumetric charge less than that applicable
to customers paying on the basis of (127)(a) above.
(iii) A charge for other discharges on the same basis as (127)(b)(ii)
above.
5.3.3 Leakage Allowances for Sewerage
Leakage
a
llowances for
household
customers
(133) For household customers, any allowance for water lost through leakage will
be in accordance with the company’s Code of Practice on Leakage.
Leakage
allowances for
non-household
customers
(134) For non-household customers an allowance may be given against the
volumetric sewerage charge, provided all or part of the leaked water did not
discharge into the public sewer.
(135) Such allowances will be calculated by facts, estimates, engineering aspects
and other formulae, as considered relevant by Northumbrian Water.
5.3.4 Chargeable Area for measured non-household properties
Chargeable
a
rea
(136) The chargeable area of a customer’s site:
(a) includes the total site area of premises (whether or not the surface area
is permeable) including the curtilage thereof and all land held together
therewith (whether or not separated at any point by a highway or other
public right of way),
(b) but excludes any defined excluded area that constitutes 10% or more of
the total site area.
(137) A defined excluded area is any area of land as determined by Northumbrian
Water. Examples may include, but are not restricted to, permanently
grassed or cultivated area of playing field, farmland, racecourse, sports
ground, golf course, parkland, or area of land on which no building is by law
permitted to be erected,
Allocation of
c
harges for
common areas
(138) For the purposes of paragraph (136), where there is a common area
a
ppertaining to a number of separately occupied premises, the chargeable
area for each such premise shall be calculated to include a proportionate
part of any such common area, by dividing any such area pro rata to the
individual site measurement of each such separate premise. In the case of
buildings in multiple occupation, common areas may include areas both
2010/11
20
internal and external to those buildings.
Shared car
parks
(139) Shared car parks will normally be apportioned to separately occupied
premises on the principles detailed in paragraph (138). However
Northumbrian Water may also enter into an agreement with the site owner
or freeholder whereby he would be liable for the charges for the chargeable
area of the car park. Should the owner or freeholder default on payment of
such charges then Northumbrian Water will recover the charges from the
occupiers of the separately occupied premises as described above.
Banding of
surface areas
for charging
(140) For charging purposes, customers’ premises will be allocated to charging
bands on the basis of their chargeable area, including the allocation of any
shared areas, as described above. Separate band charges appear in
Appendix A.
Application of
c
harges
(141) When Northumbrian Water agrees a change to a chargeable area
measurement that results in a change to a charging band, this change will
be applied from the later of the 1 April in the charging year in which the
claim was made or the date on which the customer became responsible for
charges for that site.
Disputed
measurements
(142) Northumbrian Water reserves the right to recover from the customer any
costs that it has reasonably incurred in cases where a customer disputes
either the Charging Band to which his premises have been allocated or
asserts that his premises do not drain any surface or groundwater either
directly or indirectly to a public sewer and it is subsequently demonstrated
that Northumbrian Water’s original assessment of the premises was correct.
5.3.5 Common Supplies
Common
metered
supplies
(143) In relation to properties that have a metered water supply connection which
supplies more than one property in different occupancies, charges will be
recoverable under one of the following conditions:
Common billing
a
greements
(a) Northumbrian Water may make an agreement, known as a Common
Billing Agreement, with the Owner or Owners of such properties so that
the Owner or Owners are liable for the payment of:
(i) the metered water supply charges for all the properties supplied
through the common meter, unless agreed otherwise by
Northumbrian Water;
(ii) Plus: all sewerage services charges due in respect of all the
properties supplied through the common meter, including for periods
when the properties are unoccupied.
Liability for
billing common
supplies where
a common
billing
agreement does
not exist (non-
household)
(b) Where no Common Billing Agreement exists between Northumbrian
Water and the Owner, and the properties supplied through the common
meter supply are non-household, charges will made as follows:
(i) the metered water supply charges for all the properties supplied
through the common meter will be charged to the Owner of the
property where the meter is installed;
(ii) foul discharges for sewerage will be charged to the Owner based on
the quantity of water registered on the water supply meter.
(iii) Other discharges, including surface water drainage and highway
drainage, will be charged separately to Occupiers, or in certain
2010/11
21
circumstances, the Owner.
Liability for
billing common
supplies where
a common
billing
agreement does
not exist
(household)
(c) Where no Common Billing Agreement exists between Northumbrian
Water and the Owner, and the properties supplied through the common
meter supply are household, charges will made as follows:
(i) the metered water supply charges for all the properties supplied
through the common meter will be charged to the Owner of the
property where the meter is installed;
(ii) all sewerage charges will be charged separately to Occupiers on an
unmeasured basis as described in section 5.2.
Installing
s
eparate
supplies
(144) Owners may opt, at their cost, to have a separate metered supply installed
t
o each property (if technically possible) which would enable all sewerage
charges, including those for foul discharges, to be made direct to the
occupiers.
5.4 REBATES IN RELATION TO SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE
5.4.1 General
Surface water
r
ebates
(145) Where it can be demonstrated that a property does not drain any or, in some
cases, that it drains only part of its surface water or groundwater either
directly or indirectly to Northumbrian Water’s systems, a reduction in
charges is available.
Sites not
charged for
surface water or
highway
drainage
(146) In cases where, in addition to paragraph (145), no foul effluent is discharged
to a public sewer, thereby rendering the property unconnected for sewerage
services, no charges for either surface water or highway drainage will be
payable.
5.4.2 Household Properties and Unmeasured Non-Household Properties
Surface water
d
rainage
rebates for non-
household
properties
(147) For household properties, whether measured or unmeasured, and for
unmeasured non-household properties, rebates will only be granted if it can
be shown that no surface water or groundwater drains either directly or
indirectly to Northumbrian Water’s sewerage system. Rebates will not be
granted for partial connection, that is, where only some surface water or
groundwater may drain other than to Northumbrian Water’s sewerage
system. The level of rebate, which will be the same both for all household
customers and for unmeasured non-household customers, is shown in
Appendix A.
Retrospectivity
of rebate
(148) Rebates as described in section 5.4.2 will be applied from the later of the 1
st
April 2001, the date on which the customer became responsible for charges
or the date on which the property was disconnected from Northumbrian
Water’s systems.
5.4.3 Measured Non-Household Properties
Full rebates for
s
urface water
charges
(149) Where a metered non-household customer can demonstrate to
Northumbrian Water’s satisfaction that the provisions of either points
(149)(a) or (149)(b), apply, by providing detailed site plans or such other
evidence as Northumbrian Water may reasonably require, charges for
highway drainage will be payable as detailed in paragraph (150).
2010/11
22
(a) Drainage arrangements made in respect of a site are such that no
surface water or groundwater drains directly or indirectly to a public
sewer from that property or from any common area appertaining to that
property,
(b) All surface water or groundwater draining from the site is charged as
trade effluent,
Charges for fully
rebated
properties
(150) The chargeable area of the site will be allocated to a band and 30% of this
band charge will be applied to cover highway drainage charges.
Retrospectivity
of full rebate
(151) Rebates as described in paragraphs (149) and (150) will be applied from the
later of the 1
st
April 2001, the date on which the customer became
responsible for charges or the date on which the site was disconnected from
Northumbrian Water’s systems.
Partial rebates
f
or surface
water charges
(152) Where a metered non-household customer can demonstrate to
Northumbrian Water’s satisfaction that the provisions of either points
(152)(a) or (152)(b) apply, by providing detailed site plans or such other
evidence as Northumbrian Water may reasonably require, charges will be
payable as detailed in paragraph (153).
(a) Drainage arrangements made in respect of a site are such that surface
water or groundwater from only part of the site drains directly or
indirectly to a public sewer from that property or from any common area
appertaining to that property,
(b) Some surface water or groundwater draining from the site is charged as
trade effluent,
Charges for
p
artially rebated
properties
(153) Two chargeable areas will be defined and charged as follows:
(
a) A chargeable area will be defined for the site as detailed in paragraph
(136) for the proportion of the site from which surface water and
groundwater drains directly or indirectly to a public sewer, or for which
the surface water of groundwater is not charged as trade effluent. 70%
of the tariff for the band of this chargeable area will be charged.
(b) Plus: a second chargeable area will be measured as the total area of
the site. 30% of the band charge for this chargeable area of the site will
be applied to cover highway drainage charges.
Retrospectivity
o
f partial rebate
(154) Rebates as described in paragraphs (152) and (153) will be applied
retrospectively as far back as the 1
st
April of the charging year in which the
claim for a rebate is made.
2010/11
23
5.4.4 How to apply for a rebate
Application
process for
surface water
drainage
rebates
(155) Customers in this category who consider that they may qualify for reduced
sewerage charges as a result of these provisions should either write or
telephone in the first instance to:
Customer Centre
Northumbrian Water Limited
P O Box 407
Durham
DH1 9WW
Telephone: 0845 733 5566
(156) Customers will be sent a questionnaire for completion. This will include the
r
equest for a simple site plan that indicates how the surface water and
groundwater from their property is currently drained. This will help the
customer to determine whether a claim under the provisions of this section
is likely to be successful. If the customer remains of the opinion that he may
be entitled to reduced sewerage charges, he should return the completed
questionnaire to the above address. Northumbrian Water may require more
detailed plans for some non-household properties and reserves the right to
visit any property to establish its connection status.
5.5 OTHER SEWERAGE CHARGES
Unmanned
structure
charges
(157) In the case of non-household properties that occupy a total surface area of
less than 25m
2
, that are normally unmanned and benefit only from surface
water drainage, a fixed charge shall be payable in all cases, regardless of
whether or not they appear on the Valuation List at 31 March 1990 (and if
so, regardless of their value on that List). The level of the fixed charge for
such properties appears in Appendix A.
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24
6 WATERSURE - CHARGES FOR VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS
6.1 GENERAL
Definition of
WaterSure
Scheme
(158) An alternative fixed charge (referred to as the “WaterSure” for the remainder
of this section) is available for measured customers falling within two
vulnerable groups who are likely to use higher than average amounts of
water. These provisions do not apply to unmeasured supplies.
(159) “WaterSure” is the new industry-wide name for what was previously known
as the “Protect Scheme” at Northumbrian Water.
Vulnerable
g
roup
regulations
(160) These two groups have been defined by Government regulations and
broadly cover persons in receipt of certain benefits or tax credits who have
either large families or suffer from certain medical conditions requiring the
use of large quantities of water. These groups are more precisely defined in
6.3 below. The regulations also define certain non-essential uses of water
that
would render otherwise eligible customers ineligible for this assistance.
Again, this is explained more fully below.
Structure of
WaterSure
Scheme tariff
(161) In accordance with the Government regulations, these customers have the
option of paying a fixed charge based on average household bills, rather
than a bill based on their own measured consumption. Depending on
customers’ particular circumstances, the alternative charge may or may not
be lower than normal charges, based on their metered consumption.
However, eligible customers will always pay the lower of the two, as
explained below.
Customer
application for
scheme
(162) Northumbrian Water will publicise this protection, but the onus is on
customers who meet the qualifying criteria to apply to be charged on this
basis. Measured household bills will be issued with a leaflet outlining the
WaterSure Scheme option and customers will be invited to write or
telephone for full details and an application form.
6.2 BASIS OF CHARGE
Level of
W
aterSure
Scheme charge
(163) The WaterSure Scheme tariff is set equal to the average household bill. In
the case of water services, this is calculated separately for the Northumbrian
Region and the Essex & Suffolk Region. For sewerage services, the charge
is set by Northumbrian Water only for the Northumbrian Region. The levels
of these charges for 2010/11 are shown in Appendix A (Northumbrian
Region) and Appendix B (Essex & Suffolk Region – water only). In the
Essex & Suffolk Region, the charges set by the relevant sewerage services
supplier (Thames Water Utilities Limited or Anglian Water Services Limited)
apply.
6.3 ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility
c
onditions
(164) Eligibility for the WaterSure Scheme is limited to the two groups of
h
ouseholds defined in (164)(a)and (164)(b) below and applies to premises
occupied by the customer and any other qualifying person as his only or
principal home. Further, where premises are not used solely as a person’s
home, the other use must not be the principal use of the premises. The two
groups are:
2010/11
25
(a) Households containing an individual who is entitled to receive Child
Benefit for three or more children up to the age of 19, all of whom must
be resident in the property and in full-time education.
(b) Households containing an individual who has been diagnosed as
suffering from one of the following medical conditions and whose
condition causes them to use significant amounts of water:
• Kidney failure requiring home dialysis (except where a contribution to
the cost of the water consumed during the billing period has been
made by the health authority);
• Abdominal stomas;
• Desquamation (flaky skin loss);
• Weeping skin disease (eczema, psoriasis, varicose ulceration);
• Incontinence;
• Crohn’s disease;
• Ulcerative colitis.
(165) The above medical conditions are those specifically covered by the
Government regulations. The company will also consider requests for
assistance from measured customers whose households contain an
individual who has been diagnosed as suffering from other medical
conditions that involve significant use of water. A doctor’s certificate will be
required for such other medical conditions to be admissible.
Qualifying
r
equirements
(166) In the case of the individuals defined in (164)(a), eligibility is also contingent
u
pon their being in receipt of one of the relevant benefits defined below. In
the case of the individuals defined in (164)(b), eligibility is contingent upon
the household containing an individual, not necessarily the same individual
as suffering from the qualifying medical condition, being in receipt of one of
the relevant benefits. The relevant benefits are:
• Council Tax Benefit;
• Housing Benefit;
• Income Support;
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
• Income-related Employment and Support;
• Working Tax Credit;
• Child Tax Credit (except families in receipt of the family element only);
• Pension Credit.
6.4 DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS
Disqualifying
c
onditions
(167) In accordance with the Government regulations, eligibility for the WaterSure
Scheme will be disallowed if water supplied to the premises is used for
either:
(a) Watering a garden, other than by hand, by means of any apparatus, or
(b) Automatically replenishing a pond or swimming pool with a capacity
greater than 10,000 litres.
2010/11
26
6.5 REQUIRED EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY
Evidence of
e
ligibility
(168) In order to be charged on the WaterSure Scheme, all applicants will be
r
equired in advance to complete an application form and to provide
reasonable evidence of eligibility. In all cases, a copy will be required of the
latest notice of entitlement to the benefit (not more than 12 months old) or
tax credit (not more than 6 months old) under which eligibility is being
claimed. Additionally:
(a) In the case of the first group above, large families on low incomes (see
(164)(a)), a copy will be required of the latest notice of entitlement (not
more than 12 months old) showing that Child Benefit was payable to a
resident of the property in respect of three or more children up to the age
of 19;
(b) Alternatively, claimants may present the benefit order books relating to
either of the above at any company office. The company may make any
photocopies of such documents as it feels necessary to validate the
claim, but will not retain the originals. In no case should the order books
relating to any benefit be posted to the company.
(169) In the case of the second group, people with medical conditions requiring
high water use (see (164)(b)), customers will be required to state on the
application form:
(a) The medical condition under which they are claiming eligibility;
(b) How this condition results in increased water consumption;
(c) The name of a medical practitioner to whom any enquiries may be made
in connection with the application, to confirm both that the patient has
been diagnosed as having the specified condition and the impact this is
likely to have on water consumption;
(d) In the case of applications on the basis of medical conditions other than
those specifically identified in the Government regulations, as listed in
(164)(b) above, a doctor’s certificate will be also required, stating:
• The name of the patient;
• The diagnosis of the patient;
• The date on which the certificate was given;
• The name and address of medical practitioner.
(170) Northumbrian Water will not be responsible for any cost incurred in obtaining
su
ch a certificate.
Verification of
eligibility
(171) Northumbrian Water will take reasonable steps to ensure the validity of
claims and may contact the agency providing the benefit or tax credit used
as the basis for a claim and, where relevant, medical practitioners. It may
do this both on a random basis and in specific cases where it has reason to
doubt the validity of documents supplied by the applicant.
6.6 PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY
(172) Generally, once eligibility has been established, it will be presumed to apply
f
or the remainder of the current charging year. It will, however, be the
customer’s responsibility to advise Northumbrian Water if his circumstances
change before the year-end. For this purpose, a form will be supplied to be
2010/11
27
Period of
Eligibility
retained by the customer for completion and return should this situation
arise. All qualifying customers will be required to reapply for continued
eligibility in subsequent years.
(173) More specifically, eligibility for the WaterSure Scheme will normally apply for
the whole of a billing period, where this is defined as the period between two
consecutive meter readings. Except as provided in the next paragraph, if
eligibility is first established (or re-established following a period of
ineligibility) during a billing period, it will be presumed to have applied for the
whole billing period. Eligibility will not be applied retrospectively, i.e. before
the commencement of the billing period in which eligibility is first established
(or re-established).
(174) Northumbrian Water reserves the right to make additional checks on
customers’ continued eligibility during the charging year, both on a random
basis and in cases where it has reason to believe that a customer’s
circumstances may have changed.
6.7 APPLICATION OF THE WATERSURE SCHEME
H
ow the
WaterSure
Scheme tariff
will be applied
(175) Northumbrian Water will continue to read eligible customers’ meters as
normal and the measured charge that would have appli
ed will be calculated.
Only where the WaterSure Scheme charge for the billing period would be
lower will this be applied, otherwise the regular measured charges will apply
for that billing period. The customer will always, therefore, pay the lower of
the two amounts. Where the comparison of measured and WaterSure
Scheme charges is based upon an estimated meter reading which is
disputed by the customer, Northumbrian Water may review this estimate or
make arrangements with the customer to take an actual reading.
6.7.1 Administration of Applications
Application
p
rocess
(176) Customers who feel they may be eligible for the WaterSure Scheme should
in the first instance write or telephone for a leaflet and application form to:
Northumbrian Region Essex & Suffolk Region
Customer Centre
Northumbrian Water Limited
P O Box 300
Durham
DH1 9WQ
Customer Centre
Essex & Suffolk Water
P O Box 292
Durham
DH1 9TX
Telephone: 0845 733 5566 Telephone: 0845 782 0111
(177) On return of the completed application form, together with the relevant
documentary evidence, Northumbrian Water will endeavour to process the
application and advise customers of the outcome within 10 working days.
However, it may be necessary to extend this timescale for factors outside
Northumbrian Water’s control, as noted below.
(178) If additional evidence is required from third parties – for example, checking
with a doctor – it may be necessary to exceed the target timescale, but the
customer will be advised of any delay on this account.
(179) If returned forms are incomplete or have been completed incorrectly, it may
be necessary to return these to customers for correction and resubmission
and this will delay the processing of the application. It may be possible to
deal with minor errors and omissions by telephone and customers will be
asked to provide a daytime contact number for this purpose. The failure by
2010/11
28
the customer to provide the appropriate documentary evidence in support of
his claim will also result in delay.
(180) Prior to the commencement of each charging year, Northumbrian Water will
write to those customers who at that time are noted in its records as being
eligible for the WaterSure Scheme, inviting them to reapply for the coming
year. Customers who do not respond will be contacted by telephone, if
possible, or by letter reminding them of the need to reapply. Failure to
respond to this second contact will result in customers reverting to standard
measured charges.
(181) During the course of the year, it is the customer’s responsibility to advise
Northumbrian Water immediately if his circumstances change such that he
is (or believes he may) no longer be eligible for the WaterSure Scheme. In
order to simplify this process for the customer, Northumbrian Water will
when it first notifies the customer of his eligibility and on subsequent
occasions when it reconfirms eligibility, include a notification form for the
customer to complete and return if and when he becomes (or believes he
may have become) ineligible for continued access to the WaterSure
Scheme.
(182) Where it becomes clear that a customer’s eligibility ceased in a billing period
prior to the one then current and that this has resulted in undercharging, a
retrospective adjustment to the customer’s bills will be made.
Disputes over
W
aterSure
Scheme
(183) In the event of a complaint or dispute over the application of the provisions
for the protection for vulnerable customers, either as to eligibility or in the
application of charges, customers should, in the first instance, contact the
Customer Centre at the address shown above. In the event that the matter
remains unresolved, the customer will have the right to refer his case to the
Consumer Council for Water (CCWater).
2010/11
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7 TIMING AND METHODS OF PAYMENT OF CHARGES -
NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
7.1 TIMING
7.1.1 Unmeasured Customers
Payment
o
ptions
(unmeasured
customers)
(184) The occupier of an unmeasured property is liable to pay water and
se
werage charges for each day of their occupation. Bills are issued at the
beginning of the financial year on the assumption that the occupier will
remain in residence for the whole of the financial year. Charges are due in
full on demand unless an alternative payment plan is agreed by
Northumbrian Water. Customers may elect to pay their charges:
(a) In two half-yearly payments on the due dates printed on the payment
slips;
(b) By our Instalment Scheme – May to February inclusive;
(c) By our Budget Scheme (instalments can be monthly, fortnightly or
weekly);
(d) By special arrangements for customers having difficulty paying their bills.
7.1.2 Measured Customers
Payment
options
(measured
customers)
(185) Measured water, measured sewerage, any fixed charges or surface area
related charges are payable in full on demand unless an alternative payment
plan is agreed by Northumbrian Water. Customers may elect to pay their
charges:
(a) By our Budget Scheme (instalments can be monthly, fortnightly or
weekly);
(b) By special arrangements for customers having difficulty paying their bills.
7.1.3 General
Payment by
Installment
(186) No charge is made for the option to pay by instalments. However, failure to
pay an instalment by the due date causes all outstanding amounts to be due
and payable immediately. Failure to pay the charges outstanding in one
amount may result in the issue of a County Court Claim for all unpaid
charges. Available instalment payment options are detailed in paragraphs
7.1.1and 7.1.2 above.
7.1.4 Customers entering into any formal insolvency procedure
Charges when a
formal
insolvency
procedure
occurs
(187) Where a Customer enters into any formal insolvency procedure
Northumbrian Water may apportion any charges on a daily basis up to the
date immediately before the date the relevant insolvency procedure
becomes effective ('the insolvency date').
(188) Any apportioned charges after the insolvency date will be payable by the
occupier of the property in question and apply from the next day of
occupation after the insolvency date. Any such apportioned charges will not
fall within the insolvency procedure. The charges will be payable by the
occupier on the same payment terms as would apply if the property had
2010/11
30
been newly connected on that day.
7.2 PAYMENT METHODS – ALL METHODS ARE FREE OF CHARGE
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Available
m
ethods of
payment
(189) Unmeasured and measured customers who elect to pay their charges in
a
ccordance with either Section 7.1.1 or Section 7.1.2 above may use any (or
any combination) of the payment methods listed below:
(a) By Direct Debit – a choice of payment dates is available, 1st or 15th of
the month. A discount is given for payment by this method – see 7.3;
(b) By PayPoint - payment can be made in cash at any PayPoint agency;
(c) Via a Bank – at a branch by cash or cheque, or through its on-line
banking system. Free of charge at customer’s own bank, and at
branches of Natwest in the Northumbrian Region. Other banks may
make a charge for the transaction;
(d) At a Post Office - by cash or debit card only, using the payment slip on
the bill. (A charge will be made for payments via a Post Office);
(e) By Post – by cheque or postal order, customers should send their
payment to: Northumbrian Water, Customer Centre, PO Box 300,
Durham DH1 9WQ. Cheques and postal orders should be crossed and
made payable to “Northumbrian Water Limited”. Post-dated cheques
are not acceptable;
(f) By Telephone - to pay using a debit or credit card the customer should
call the telephone number detailed on the bill;
(g) By Internet - payment can be made, by debit card, online at our web site
address, www.nwl.co.uk
;
(h) By Standing Order.
Water Direct
Sc
heme
(190) In addition, Northumbrian Water can arrange to apply to the Jobcentre
Plus/DWP to facilitate the receipt of payments via the Water Direct Scheme
from the following benefits:
(a) Income Support;
(b) Income-related Employment and Support;
(c) Income-based Jobseekers Allowance;
(d) Pensions Credit.
7.3 DIRECT DEBIT DISCOUNT
Direct debit
discount
(191) Where a customer pays for water and/or sewerage services directly to
Northumbrian Water by direct debit, a fixed annual discount for each service
received will be credited to their account.
7.4 PAYMENT BY LANDLORDS
Payment by
l
andlords
(192) Subject to the provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 and except where
provided by agreement with Northumbrian Water to the contrary, the
charges referred to in paragraph 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 are payable by the
2010/11
31
occupiers of properties. However, where a number of tenanted properties
are in one ownership, savings in billing and collection costs may be possible
if the owner will agree to pay the charges in respect of all the properties.
Northumbrian Water is therefore prepared to consider agreements with
owners for the payment of unmeasured water services charges due on
tenanted properties under which allowances may be given, subject to
payment on time.
(193) Notwithstanding such arrangements, occupiers of properties remain the
customers of the company, landlords being responsible for collecting
charges due on the basis set out in this Charges Scheme.
(194) In the event of the owner defaulting on the above arrangements, then the full
charges may be recovered by Northumbrian Water from the occupier.
(195) The arrangements referred to above also apply in respect of the sewerage
and sewage disposal services charges levied by other water companies on
behalf of Northumbrian Water. The water companies have their own
arrangements related to their water supply charges.
7.5 COLLECTION OF OUTSTANDING CHARGES
7.5.1 General Principles
Payment
d
ifficulties
(196) Northumbrian Water will ensure that every attempt is made to work with the
customer to secure a reasonable payment arrangement. Customers
experiencing payment difficulties can contact the company to discuss
alternative arrangements such as smaller more frequent payments.
Information can be obtained from the Customer Centre on 0845 733 5566.
Full details of our collection procedures are contained within our Code of
Practice on Debt, a copy of which can also be obtained from the Customer
Centre.
7.5.2 Household premises
Consequence of
n
on-payment
(household
customers)
(197) Unmeasured bills are issued annually. Measured bills are issued either on a
monthly, quarterly or six monthly basis. If the bill has not been paid, a
reminder notice is sent advising the customer that recovery action will
ensue.
(198) If payment is not forthcoming, a pre-claim letter is issued. The pre-claim
letter advises that if the current instalment due is not paid, legal action will
be taken for the full amount outstanding which, in the case of unmeasured
charges will be the balance to the end of the financial year. In addition to
this amount, the customer will incur charges in respect of County Court Fees
and Solicitors’ Costs.
(199) If payment is still not received, Northumbrian Water may attempt to make
contact with the customer before a claim is sent to the County Court and
Court Fees and Solicitors’ Costs are added to the customer’s account.
(200) The customer has the option to either admit or defend the claim. If the
customer admits the debt, the Court is asked to enter judgment by
admission. If the claim is defended and the query cannot be resolved by
correspondence a Hearing may be set by the Court who will act as arbitrator
in the case. If the customer ignores the claim the Court is requested to
enter judgment by default. If the customer does not adhere to the terms of
the County Court judgment order, Northumbrian Water will request
2010/11
32
enforcement in accordance with County Court rules.
(201) At each stage in the process Northumbrian Water will encourage customers
to enter into an appropriate payment arrangement and facilitate the means
of payment to suit the customer’s individual circumstances.
7.5.3 Non-household premises
Consequence of
n
on-payment
(non-household
customers)
(202) Unmeasured bills are issued annually. Measured bills are usually issued on
a
quarterly basis although large users are billed each month. Following the
issue to the customer of a final notice for non-payment of a bill by the due
date, the water supply will be disconnected unless payment is received.
(203) If a customer fails to honour a reasonable payment arrangement, in
accordance with normal commercial practice, Northumbrian Water will
disconnect the service in order to protect the company and other customers
from further unrecoverable losses.
(204) Northumbrian Water will not disconnect the following premises for non-
payment of water services charges:
• private dwelling houses (including mixed use premises where a person
has their home);
• domestic caravans;
• houseboats;
• houses in multiple occupation;
• residential care homes, nursing homes and residential homes for the
elderly;
• children’s homes and day care centres;
• schools and other educational establishments;
• prisons and detention centres;
• police, fire and ambulance stations.
(205) All other premises may be disconnected for non-payment of water services
charges.
7.6 PAYMENTS – GENERAL
Payment
c
harges
(206) Northumbrian Water reserves the right to recover bank charges and
administrative costs resulting from invalid or dishonoured cheques, standing
orders or direct debits.
(207) When payment is made in foreign currency, the exchange rate applicable
will be that on the day of receipt of payment. Any shortfall or benefit will be
debited or credited to the customer’s account accordingly. Commission
charges will be deducted from the amount paid.
(208) Interest on Late Payment – Northumbrian Water reserves the right to claim
interest pursuant to the "Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998" in
respect of its non-household customers.
2010/11
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8 TIMING AND METHODS OF PAYMENT OF CHARGES - ESSEX &
SUFFOLK REGION
8.1 TIMING
8.1.1 Unmeasured Customers
Payment
o
ptions
(unmeasured
customers)
(209) The occupier of an unmeasured property is liable to pay water and
se
werage charges for each day of their occupation. Bills are issued at the
beginning of the financial year on the assumption that the occupier will
remain in residence for the whole of the financial year. Charges are due in
full on demand unless an alternative payment plan is agreed by Essex &
Suffolk Water. Customers may elect to pay their charges:
(a) In two half-yearly payments;
(b) By our Instalment Scheme – April to January inclusive;
(c) By special arrangements for customers having difficulty paying their bills
(only available to household customers).
8.1.2 Measured Customers
Payment
o
ptions
(measured
customers)
(210) Measured water, measured sewerage, any fixed charges or surface area
related charges are payable in full on demand unless an alternative payment
plan is agreed by Essex & Suffolk Water. Customers may elect to pay their
charges:
(a) By our Budget Scheme (instalments can be monthly, fortnightly or
weekly);
(b) By special arrangements for customers having difficulty paying their bills
(only available to household customers).
8.1.3 General
Payment by
I
nstallment
(211) No charge is made for the option to pay by instalments. However, failure to
pay an instalment by the due date causes all outstanding amounts to be due
and payable immediately. Failure to pay the charges outstanding in one
amount may result in the issue of a County Court Claim for all unpaid
charges. Available instalment payment options are detailed in paragraphs
8.1.1 and 8.1.2 above.
8.1.4 Customers entering into any formal insolvency procedure
Charges when a
formal
insolvency
procedure
occurs
(212) Where a Customer enters into any formal insolvency procedure Essex &
Suffolk Water may apportion any charges on a daily basis up to the date
immediately before the date the relevant insolvency procedure becomes
effective ('the insolvency date').
(213) Any apportioned charges after the insolvency date will be payable by the
occupier of the property in question and fall due on the next day of
occupation after the insolvency date. Any such apportioned charges will not
fall within the insolvency procedure. The charges will be payable by the
occupier on the same payment terms as would apply if the property had
been newly connected on that day.
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8.2 PAYMENT METHODS – ALL METHODS ARE FREE OF CHARGE
UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Available
m
ethods of
payment
(214) Unmeasured and measured customers who elect to pay their charges in
a
ccordance with either Section 8.1.1 or Section 8.1.2 above may use any (or
any combination) of the payment methods listed below:
(a) By Direct Debit – a choice of payment dates is available, 8
th
, 18
th
or 28
th
of the month. A discount is given for payment by this method – see 8.3;
(b) By PayPoint - payment can be made in cash at any PayPoint agency;
(c) Via a Bank – at a branch by cash or cheque, or through its on-line
banking system. Free of charge at customer’s own bank, and at
branches of Natwest in the Essex & Suffolk Region. Other banks may
make a charge for the transaction;
(d) At a Post Office – by cash or debit card only, using the payment slip on
the bill. (A charge will be made for payments via a Post Office).
(e) By Post – by cheque or postal order, customers should send their
payment to: Essex & Suffolk Water, PO Box 292, Durham DH1 9TX.
Cheques and postal orders should be crossed and made payable to
“Essex & Suffolk Water”. Post-dated cheques are not acceptable;
(f) By Telephone – to pay by debit or credit card the customer should call
the telephone number detailed on the bill;
(g) By Internet - payment can be made, by debit card, online at our web site
address, www.eswater.co.uk;
Water Direct
Sc
heme
(215) In addition, Essex & Suffolk Water can arrange to apply to the Jobcentre
P
lus/DWP to facilitate the receipt of payments via the Water Direct Scheme.
From the following benefits:
(a) Income Support;
(b) Income-related Employment and Support;
(c) Income-based Jobseekers Allowance;
(d) Pensions Credit.
8.3 DIRECT DEBIT DISCOUNT
Direct debit
d
iscount
(216) Where a customer pays for water services directly to Essex & Suffolk Water
by direct debit, a fixed annual discount will be credited to their account.
8.4 PAYMENTS BY LANDLORDS
Payment by
l
andlords
(217) Subject to the provisions of the Water Industry Act 1991 and except where
p
rovided by agreement with Essex & Suffolk Water to the contrary, the
charges referred to in paragraph 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 are payable by the
occupiers of properties. However, where a number of tenanted properties
are in one ownership, savings in billing and collection costs may be possible
if the owner will agree to pay the charges in respect of all the properties.
Essex & Suffolk Water is therefore prepared to consider agreements with
owners for the payment of unmeasured water services charges due on
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tenanted properties under which allowances may be given, subject to
payment on time.
(218) Notwithstanding such arrangements, occupiers of properties remain the
customers of the company, landlords being responsible for collecting
charges due on the basis set out in this Charges Scheme.
(219) In the event of the owner defaulting on the above arrangements, then the full
charges may be recovered by Essex & Suffolk Water from the occupier.
8.5 COLLECTION OF OUTSTANDING CHARGES
8.5.1 General Principles
Payment
d
ifficulties
(220) Essex & Suffolk Water will ensure that every attempt is made to work with
the customer to secure a reasonable payment arrangement. Customers
experiencing payment difficulties can contact the company to discuss
alternative arrangements such as smaller more frequent payments.
Information can be obtained from the Customer Centre on 0845 782 0111.
Full details of our collection procedures are contained within our Code of
Practice on Debt, a copy of which can also be obtained from the Customer
Centre.
8.5.2 Household premises
Consequence of
n
on-payment
(household
customers)
(221) Unmeasured bills are issued annually. Measured bills are issued on a
m
onthly or six-monthly basis. If the bill has not been paid, a reminder notice
is sent advising the customer that recovery action will ensue.
(222) If payment is not forthcoming, a pre-claim letter is issued. The pre-claim
letter advises that if the current instalment due is not paid, legal action may
be taken for the full amount outstanding which, in the case of unmeasured
charges will be the balance to the end of the financial year. In addition to
this amount, the customer will incur charges in respect of County Court Fees
and Solicitors’ Costs.
(223) If payment is still not received, Essex & Suffolk Water may attempt to make
contact with the customer before a claim is sent to the County Court and
Court Fees and Solicitors’ Costs are added to the customer’s account.
(224) The customer has the option to either admit or defend the claim. If the
customer admits the debt, the Court is asked to enter judgment by
admission. If the claim is defended and the query cannot be resolved by
correspondence, a Hearing may be set by the Court who will act as
arbitrator in the case. If the customer ignores the claim the Court is
requested to enter judgment by default. If the customer does not adhere to
the terms of the County Court judgment order Essex & Suffolk Water will
request enforcement in accordance with County Court rules.
(225) At each stage in the process Essex & Suffolk Water will encourage
customers to enter into an appropriate payment arrangement and facilitate
the means of payment to suit the customer’s individual circumstances.
8.5.3 Non-household premises
Consequence of
n
on-payment
(non-household
customers)
(226) Unmeasured bills are issued annually. Measured bills are usually issued on
a six monthly basis although large users are billed each month. Following
the issue to the customer of a final notice for non-payment of a bill by the
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36
due date, the water supply will be disconnected unless payment is received.
(227) If a customer fails to honour a reasonable payment arrangement, in
accordance with normal commercial practice, Essex & Suffolk Water will
disconnect the service in order to protect the company and other customers
from further unrecoverable losses.
(228) Essex & Suffolk Water will not disconnect the following premises for non-
payment of water services charges:
• private dwelling houses (including mixed use premises where a person
has their home);
• domestic caravans;
• houseboats;
• houses in multiple occupation;
• residential care homes, nursing homes and residential homes for the
elderly;
• children’s homes and day care centres;
• schools and other educational establishments;
• prisons and detention centres;
• police, fire and ambulance stations.
(229) All other premises may be disconnected for non-payment of water services
charges.
8.6 PAYMENTS – GENERAL
Payment
c
harges
(230) Essex & Suffolk Water reserves the right to recover bank charges and
a
dministrative costs resulting from invalid or dishonoured cheques or direct
debits.
(231) When payment is made in foreign currency, the exchange rate applicable
will be that on the day of receipt of payment. Any shortfall or benefit will be
debited or credited to the customer’s account accordingly. Commission
charges will be deducted from the amount paid.
(232) Interest on Late Payment – Essex & Suffolk Water reserves the right to
claim interest pursuant to the "Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998"
in respect of its non-household customers.
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9 TRADE EFFLUENT CHARGES
(233) NOTE: Northumbrian Water only supplies trade effluent collection, treatment
and disposal services in the Northumbrian Region. In the Essex & Suffolk
Region, these services are provided either by Anglian Water Services
Limited or Thames Water Utilities Limited. For details of the charges of
these companies, please refer to their respective Charges Schemes.
9.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ON TRADE EFFLUENT CHARGES
Liability of trade
e
ffluent charges
(234) Having due regard to paragraph (16), Northumbrian Water may make
ch
arges for the components of trade effluent as it feels appropriate. Trade
effluent charges for reception, conveyance, treatment and disposal are
payable by all occupiers of premises discharging trade effluent into public
sewers. Any trade effluent charges payable are taken into account in the
calculation of any volumetric sewerage and sewage disposal charge.
However, if, in the view of Northumbrian Water, the costs of billing,
calculating and recovering trade effluent charges will exceed the income,
Northumbrian Water may at its discretion, waive the trade effluent charge
and charge the customer for sewerage services as if the effluent was not
subject to trade effluent consent.
Consent
charges
(235) Northumbrian Water commits expenditure to the maintenance of trade
effluent consents. This expenditure includes the costs of reviewing consent
conditions on a regular
basis and the eventual termination of the consents.
Northumbrian Water levies a charge for determining new consent conditions
and revised consent conditions if the trader seeks the variation, including
costs associated with any referral to the Environment Agency.
Non standard
trade effluent
charges
(236) Any additional expense incurred or likely to be incurred by Northumbrian
Water in connection with the reception or disposal of constituents of
specified trade effluents may be recovered in addition to those set down
below.
9.2 STRUCTURE OF TRADE EFFLUENT CHARGE
Structure of
t
rade effluent
charge
(237) In pursuit of the objectives set out in paragraph (16) a standard unit charge
comprising the following elements will apply.
(238) Standard Unit Charge – Elements
(a) A Reception and Conveyance Charge per cubic metre - 'R'
(b) A Volumetric Treatment Charge per cubic metre - 'V'
(c) An Additional Volumetric Charge per cubic metre, where biological
treatment applies - ‘Bv’
(d) A Biological Treatment Charge per cubic metre (standardised – see
(242) below) - 'B'
(e) A Sludge Treatment and Disposal Charge per cubic metre (standardised
– see (242) below) - ‘S’
(239) A charge is made for the individual service elements relevant to the
receiving treatment works to which the discharger’s effluent is conveyed and
this is subject to a minimum charge. The levels of the standard unit charge
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elements for the current charging year, as well as the minimum charge, are
shown in Appendix A of this Charges Scheme.
Discharge
strength
(240) The charges made take into account the strength of the discharge in relation
to Northumbrian Water's average regional strength factors. The formula
used in the calculation of individual charges is set out below; 'R', 'V', ‘Bv’, 'B'
and 'S' being calculated in accordance with paragraph (238).
Trade effluent
t
ariff formula
(241) Regional Formula
Ot S
t
c = R + V + Bv +
Os
B +
Ss
S
(242) Where:
c = Total Charge per cubic metre of Trade Effluent;
R = Regional Reception and Conveyance Charge per cubic metre;
V = Regional Volumetric Treatment Charge per cubic metre;
Bv = Additional Volumetric Charge for biological treatment per cubic
metre;
B = Regional Biological Treatment Charge per cubic metre;
S = Regional Sludge Treatment and Disposal Charge per cubic metre;
Ot = COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) in mg/l of the trade effluent after
one hour quiescent settlement. In rare cases where COD is not
applicable, an alternative oxidation parameter will be applied;
Os = Regional weighted averaged COD in mg/l of settled sewage. In rare
cases where COD is not applicable, an alternative oxidation;
parameter will be applied. In 2010/11, the regional weighted
average will be 345 mg/l;
St = Total suspended solids in mg/l settled from the trade effluent after
one hour quiescent settlement;
Ss = Regional weighted average of suspended solids in mg/l removed
from crude sewage by primary settlement. In 2010/11, the regional
weighted average will be 160 mg/l.
9.3 OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO TRADE EFFLUENT CHARGES
Verification of
d
ischarge
volume
(243) The trade effluent discharger may be required to provide apparatus suitable
and adequate for measuring and automatically recording the volume of trade
effluent to the satisfaction of Northumbrian Water and in accordance with
the consent to discharge trade effluent. The volumes of effluent recorded on
such a flow meter will be used for charging purposes. However, where such
a flow meter has not recorded accurately or has not been provided,
Northumbrian Water will determine the volume of trade effluent discharged
by any method it feels appropriate. This may include the use of readings
taken from incoming water supply meters with allowances for volumetric
domestic sewerage usage and non-returns to sewer using facts, estimates,
engineering aspects and other formulae as considered relevant by
Northumbrian Water.
Verification of
(244) The trade effluent discharger may also be required to provide apparatus
2010/11
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discharge
strength
capable of determining and recording the nature and composition of the
trade effluent in accordance with the consent to discharge. The results from
such apparatus may be used as the basis of the charge. However, where
such apparatus has not recorded accurately or has not been provided,
Northumbrian Water will determine the quality of effluent by any method it
feels appropriate. This may include the use of standard strengths (see
paragraph (245)) or analysis of samples taken from the effluent with
allowances for domestic elements of effluent as considered relevant by
Northumbrian Water. Where charges are to be determined by sampling
techniques, Northumbrian Water is prepared to provide the trade effluent
discharger with additional samples or duplicate samples at the time of
sampling, providing the discharger makes the request for the service in
advance. Northumbrian Water may charge the discharger for this service.
St
andard trade
effluent
strengths
(245) The need to recover costs incurred in the treatment and disposal of trade
effluent has led to the need for a compromise between the costs of sampling
and analysis in relation to the total income generated by the discharge. For
certain small discharges where the trade effluent discharger has not
provided apparatus capable of determining and recording the nature and
composition of their effluent, it is uneconomic to analyse individual samples.
The concept of the standard regional strength has been introduced for six
types of discharge as shown in the table below.
Standard Regional Strength
Discharge Type
Suspended Solids
mg/l (St)
COD
mg/l (Ot)
Vehicle washes 124 284
Launderettes 55 800
Portable toilet waste 9,000 13,500
Small abattoirs 250 2,250
Small breweries (<20m
3
/ day) 80 5,000
Swimming pool filter backwash 120 100
(246) These values are subject to periodic review.
Capital
contributions
and special
agreements
(247) If, with the agreement of Northumbrian Water, a trade effluent discharger
makes a capital contribution towards the expense of disposing of the
discharge, then Northumbrian Water may make an appropriate adjustment
to the trade effluent charges.
Domestic
sewage charges
(248) In addition to trade effluent charges trade premises may be liable for
sewerage and sewage disposal discharges as described in Section 5 after
allowing for trade effluent discharges.
Payment of
trade effluent
charges
(249) Charges referred to in the preceding clauses of this section shall be payable
on demand.
Termination of
consent
(250) Where the trader is in arrears of four weeks or more in payment of the
charges specified above, Northumbrian Water may terminate the consent
without further notice.
Additional
e
xpenses
(251) Northumbrian Water may require payment from the trader for any additional
e
xpenses incurred in connection with the reception and disposal of the trade
effluent, beyond those recovered in its trade effluent tariffs.
Sampling
(252) Northumbrian Water will make a charge when it is necessary to resample
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charges
trade effluent discharges where analysis of the preceding sample has shown
that conditions of the trade effluent discharger’s consent were contravened.
The current level of this charge is shown in the Miscellaneous Charges (see
Appendix C).
Trade effluent
disputes
(253) If a customer disputes either the refusal by Northumbrian Water to grant a
trade effluent consent or the conditions attached to any consent that may be
granted, he may have his case determined by the Water Services
Regulation Authority (Ofwat).
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10 INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES
Infrastructure
charges
(254) In accordance with Section 146(2) of the Water Industry Act 1991,
Northumbrian Water may make a charge for premises connecting to a water
supply and/or a public sewer including where this is as a result of developing
or redeveloping a site. The exercise of this power is controlled by Condition
C and Condition D of Northumbrian Water's Instrument of Appointment as
modified on 1 April 1991.
10.1 INTERPRETATION
Definitions for
i
nfrastructure
charges
(255) In this Section of the Scheme:
(
a) “water infrastructure charge” means the charge for first time water
connection or for the redevelopment of premises previously having a
water connection;
(b) “water connection” means connection, either directly or through an
intermediate pipe, to a water supply of premises, which term shall
include any premise or any newly-formed premise even if that premise is
part of a previous premise that was supplied with water, which have
never at any previous time been connected to a supply of water provided
for household purposes by Northumbrian Water or by any other authority
or body which at that time provided supplies of water in the course of
carrying out functions under any enactment;
(c) “sewerage infrastructure charge” means the charge for first time
sewerage connection or for the redevelopment of premises previously
having a sewerage connection;
(d) “sewerage connection” means connection, either directly or through an
intermediate sewer or drain, to a public sewer of premises, which term
shall include any premise or any newly formed premise even if that
premise is part of a previous premise that was connected to a sewer,
which have never at any previous time been connected to a sewer or the
drainage for household purposes of those premises by Northumbrian
Water or its appointed agents or by any other authority or body which at
that time provided sewerage services in the course of carrying out
functions under any enactment;
(e) “common billing agreement” means an agreement between
Northumbrian Water and any other person under which that person has
undertaken to pay, on terms agreed between them, charges for water
supply or sewerage services, or both, in respect of two or more
properties which have a common supply pipe and which, in any case
where that agreement relates to one of those services only, are also
subject to a similar agreement for common billing between that person
and the undertaker providing the other service;
(f) “household purposes” in relation to a supply of water to any premises or
in relation to the drainage of premises has the same meaning as in
Sections 218 and 98 of the Water Industry Act 1991 respectively;
(g) “premises” includes any part of a building that is intended to be occupied
as a separate unit;
(h) “house” means any building or part of a building that is occupied as a
private dwelling house or which, if unoccupied, is likely to be so
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occupied and, accordingly, includes a flat;
(i) “relevant multiplier” means a number (which may be one or more or less
than one) calculated in the manner set out in the Appendix to Condition
C of Northumbrian Water's Instrument of Appointment as modified.
10.2 CHARGES
Level of charge
(256) The standard amounts of the water and sewerage infrastructure charges
payable for water and sewerage connections are detailed in Appendix C.
Water and
sewerage
charges
(257) Subject to the following paragraphs, the water infrastructure charge payable
for a water connection shall be the standard water infrastructure charge, and
the sewerage infrastructure charge payable for a sewerage connection shall
be the standard sewerage infrastructure charge.
Relevant
m
ultiplier
(258) The standard water and sewerage infrastructure charges shall be multiplied
by the relevant multiplier for:
(a) Premises that consist of a house or houses subject to a common billing
agreement, or;
(b) Premises that do not consist of a house or houses and to which water is
provided by a supply pipe with a diameter larger than the standard size
adopted by Northumbrian Water for a house. The standard
Northumbrian Water supply pipe size is currently 25mm minimal outside
diameter.
Calculation of
c
redit allowance
(259) Where a site is developed or redeveloped, the total amount of water and or
se
werage infrastructure charges which may be recovered in respect of
houses and other premises on the site resulting from the development or
redevelopment shall not exceed the standard amount multiplied by X, where
X =
(a) The aggregate of the relevant multipliers for all those premises, less;
(b) The maximum number of premises with water or, as the case may be,
sewerage connections on the site at any time in the period of 5 years
before the development or redevelopment began.
Relevant
m
ultiplier
calculation
(260) To calculate the Relevant Multiplier, the total number of water fittings in all
the categories specified in column 1 below is calculated by reference to the
loading units in column 2 for the total aggregate loading units. This figure is
divided by 24 and the resulting number will be the Relevant Multiplier,
provided that where the resulting number is less than 1, the Relevant
Multiplier will be 1.
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Relevant
multiplier
calculation
Column 1
W
ater Fittings - see para (261)(a)
Column 2
Loading Units
WC flushing cistern 2
Wash basin - in a house 1.5
Wash basin - elsewhere 3
Bath- see para (261)(b)
tap nominal size 3/4in/20mm 10
tap nominal size larger than 3/4in/20mm 22
Shower 3
Sink
tap nominal size 1/2in/15mm 3
tap nominal size larger than 1/2in/15mm 5
Spray tap 0.5
Bidet 1.5
Household appliances
subject to a minimum of 6 L.U.s per house - see paras
(261)(c) and (261)(d)
3
Communal or commercial appliance - see para (261)(c) 10
Any other water fitting or outlet (including a tap but
excluding a urinal or water softener)
3
(261) Notes to be read with the table:
(a) Reference to any fitting includes reference to any plumbing, outlet,
dedicated space or planning or other provision for that fitting;
(b) “Bath” includes a whirlpool bath and a Jacuzzi;
(c) “Household appliance” means an appliance (including a dishwasher, a
washing machine and waste disposal unit) in a House and “communal or
commercial appliance” means an appliance (including a dishwasher, a
washing machine and a waste disposal unit) elsewhere than in a House
(including in communal facilities);
(d) In any calculation under paragraph (261)(a), a minimum of six loading
units shall be included, in respect of each House, for household
appliances (whether or not the House has any such appliances) except,
in the case of any House, where neither a washing machine nor a
dishwasher can be provided (and there is no plumbing, outlet, dedicated
space or planning or other provision for either appliance) in the House.
Sewerage only
c
onnections
(262) In the case of premises with a sewerage only connection and no water
fittings, the Relevant Multiplier will be one.
10.3 CARAVANS
Relevant
m
ultiplier for
caravans
(263) In the case of additional caravans on a site, infrastructure charges will be
b
ased on the net increase in the number of vans on the site and the use of a
Relevant Multiplier based on loading units set out below:
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Standard House Caravan
WC Flushing Cistern 2 1.5 (small)
Wash basin 1.5 1.5
Bath 10 0
Shower 0 3
Sink 3 3
Bidet 1.5 0
Household appliances 6 3
Site facility 0 3
Total 24 15
(264) The Relevant Multiplier on the infrastructure charge applicable for each
caravan is therefore calculated as 15/24 = 62.5% of the standard charge.
10.4 PAYMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES
Liability of
charge
(265) Subject to paragraphs (266)(a) and (266)(b) below, water and sewerage
infrastructure charges are due and immediately payable to the company at
the time the relevant connection is made.
Timing of
payment
(266) In the case of the water connection or sewerage connection of a building or
part of a building which is occupied as a dwelling house immediately before
the connection is made either:
(a) The relevant charge shall be paid in full, within 30 days after the
connection is made; and a supply is available, or,
(b) At the option of the person liable to pay the relevant charge an amount
equal to the “instalment amount” as described below, shall be paid in
each of the 12 years following the relevant connection being made,
subject only to that person giving such undertakings to the effect as
Northumbrian Water may reasonably require.
Instalment
a
mounts
(267) In this paragraph, the “instalment amount” means the aggregate amount
which would fall to be paid in the relevant year by way of payments of
interest and repayments of capital if an amount equal to the water
infrastructure charge or, as the case may be, the sewerage infrastructure
charge payable for the relevant connection had been borrowed by
Northumbrian Water on terms:
(a) Requiring interest to be paid and capital to be repaid in 12 equal
instalments, and,
(b) Providing for the amount of the interest to be calculated at such rate,
and in accordance with such other provision, as may have been
determined by either Northumbrian Water with the approval of the Water
Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), the arrangement being agreed
prior to connection work being programmed, or in default of such a
determination, by the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat).
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10.5 UNITED UTILITIES WATER INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES
United Utilities
(268) In the Northumbrian Region, infrastructure charges for sewerage
connections are also collected on behalf of United Utilities Water Limited.
10.6 PERSONS CHARGEABLE
Persons liable
f
or charge
(269) The person liable to pay the water infrastructure charge or the sewerage
i
nfrastructure charge shall be:
(a) The person requesting the relevant connection to be made, the person
making the relevant connection (other than on behalf of Northumbrian
Water) or the person on whose behalf the relevant connection was
requested or made, or;
(b) If the relevant connection is made without prior agreement of
Northumbrian Water, the person making such connection, the person on
whose behalf the relevant connection was made or the person using the
services provided thereby.
10.7 RECOVERY OF CHARGES
Recovery of
c
harges
(270) Where:
(a) A person who has received a demand, or undertaken to pay water
and/or sewerage infrastructure charges in respect of two or more houses
subject to a common billing agreement fails to pay them, or any part of
them, within 14 days of the date of connection, or;
(b) A common billing agreement is terminated otherwise than in accordance
with its terms by the person who has undertaken to pay charges under it;
(271) The company may demand and recover from that person, or from the
occupier of each house subject to the agreement, standard water and/or
sewerage infrastructure charges in respect of each house.
10.8 DISPUTES
Disputes
(272) The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) has a statutory power to
d
etermine disputes about the application of the Relevant Multiplier in relation
to infrastructure charges.
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11 MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
11.1 DEVELOPER CHARGES
(273) Charges relating to new developments are covered in Appendix C under
sections C.2 to C.7.
11.2 ATTENDANCE ON SITE BY NWL TECHNICIANS AT CUSTOMER
REQUEST
11.2.1Stop Taps
Turn on of stop
t
aps
(274) Where a customer requests a visit from a Technician to restore the supply of
water to a property using a company stop tap, a charge will be made to
cover the cost of this service.
Stop taps
(275) Northumbrian Water will operate, locate or clean a stop tap at the request of
a customer, or their representative, and a charge will be applied according
to Section C.8 of the Miscellaneous Charges. When Northumbrian Water
turn off a stop tap no charge will be made. If the customer, or their
representative, requests the Technician to wait and turn the supply back on
during the visit, or if a return visit is requested, a charge will be made for the
technician’s time according to Section C.8
of the Miscellaneous Charges.
The customer will be advised that a qualified plumber can carry out the work
on his behalf, except for where the stop tap is located in the highway, in
which case the customer will be advised to use a Northumbrian Water
technician.
Repair of stop
t
aps
(276) Where a stop tap is inoperable and the customer requests Northumbrian
W
ater to repair this in less than 20 working days, a charge will be made
according to Section C.8 of the Miscellaneous Charges. This period of
notice may be extended by the application of the Traffic Management Act.
Outside of this period, Northumbrian Water will undertake this work at its
cost.
Installation of
stop taps
(277) Other than in connection with our supply pipe leakage policy as described in
paragraphs (68) and (69), where there is no existing stop tap and the
customer requests that one be installed, the customer will be required to pay
the cost of installation according to Section C.8 of the Miscellaneous
Charges.
11.3 OTHER CHARGES
Charges for
additional
services
(278) In respect of any service performed, facility provided or right made available
by Northumbrian Water for which a charge is not applicable elsewhere in
this scheme, including CCTV surveys, provision of information and advice,
drain cleaning and drainage enquiries, Northumbrian Water may make such
charges as it determines appropriate, having regard to the cost of
performing the service, providing the facility or making the right available.
Payment of such charges may be required in advance, unless specified to
the contrary.
Bonds and
D
eposits
(279) In accordance with normal business practice, Northumbrian Water can
require, under certain circumstances normally associated with new
2010/11
47
development, the provision of cash bonds or deposits to secure the
provision of services.
Appendix A - Summary of Charges: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
2010/11
4
8
APPENDIX A SUMMARY OF CHARGES: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
(For Essex & Suffolk Region see Appendix B)
A.1 VAT
All charges published in this appendix exclude VAT unless specified
otherwise. VAT will be added to the published charge at the appropriate rate
where required.
A.2 DIRECT DEBIT DISCOUNT
Bills calculated in accordance with charges in this section will be subject to an
annual reduction for customers paying Northumbrian Water directly by Direct
Debit.
Water Service Direct Debit Discount:
Sewerage Service Direct Debit Discount:
£3.00
£3.00
A.3 UNITED UTILITIES WATER SEWERAGE SERVICES CHARGES
Northumbrian Water bills and collects sewerage services charges on behalf of
United Utilities Water. The charges for these services are levied in
accordance with the Charges Scheme of United Utilities Water.
Appendix A - Summary of Charges: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
2010/11
4
9
A.4 UNMEASURED HOUSEHOLD CHARGES
A.4.a Water Charges
Fixed Charge:
Rateable Value Charge – pence per £RV:
£80.00
48.15p
A.4.b Sewerage Charges
Fixed Charge:
Rateable Value Charge – pence per £RV:
£104.50*
51.19p
These charges do not apply to properties with a rateable value of £20 or less
or to separately rated garages that are used solely for household purposes.
* Rebates are given for properties not connected for surface water
drainage (see Section 5.4 for details). The level of rebate is: £38.90
A.4.c Assessed Charges
Payable only where a household customer has requested a free meter option
but this has been refused by Northumbrian Water on the grounds of
impracticality or unreasonable cost.
Standard: Water:
Sewerage:
£152.10
£178.90
Single occupier: Water:
Sewerage:
£102.60
£133.80
Appendix A - Summary of Charges: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
2010/11
5
0
A.5 MEASURED HOUSEHOLD CHARGES SUPPLIES
A.5.a Water Charges
Meter size (upper limit)
20mm
30mm
35mm
40mm
50mm
65mm and over
Standing charge
£33.30 p.a.
£81.00 p.a.
£138.00 p.a.
£176.40 p.a.
£295.20 p.a.
£504.00 p.a.
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 99.02p
A.5.b Sewerage Charges
A volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 90.17p
PLUS:
Annual Fixed Charge
For surface water and highway drainage: £70.70 p.a. **
** Rebates are given for properties not connected for surface water
drainage (see Section 5.4 for details). The level of rebate is: £38.90
A.5.c WaterSure Tariff for Vulnerable Customers
WaterSure Scheme tariff for metered customers falling within the two groups
defined in Section 6 of the Charges Scheme, based on the Northumbrian
Region’s average household bill.
Water:
Sewerage:
£141.00 p.a.
£170.00 p.a.
Appendix A - Summary of Charges: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
2010/11
5
1
A.6 UNMEASURED NON-HOUSEHOLD CHARGES
A.6.a Water Charges
A.6.a.i Standard Tariffs
Fixed Charge:
Rateable Value Charge – pence per £RV:
£80.00
48.15p
A.6.a.ii Other Water Charges
Lock-up garages, Churches, Church Halls, Allotments, Unmetered Farm
Troughs, Livestock, and other non-household properties without an assessed
rateable value: £80.00p.a.
A.6.b Sewerage Charges
A.6.b.i Standard Tariffs
Fixed Charge:
Rateable Value Charge – pence per £RV:
£104.50*
51.19p
* Rebates are given for properties not connected for surface water
drainage (see Section 5.4 for details). The level of rebate is: £38.90
In accordance with paragraph (42) of the Charges Scheme, when
Northumbrian Water uses the property valuation maintained under Section 41
or 52 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, the unmeasured tariff
rateable value charging rates may be adjusted as follows:
Water – from 48.15p to:
Sewerage - from 51.19p to:
4.56p
4.85p
These charges do not apply to properties with a rateable value of £20 or less
or to separately rated garages that are used solely for household purposes.
A.6.b.ii Other Sewerage Charges
Non-household properties that occupy a total surface area of less than 25m
2
,
t
hat are normally unmanned and benefit only from surface water drainage: £42.30 p.a.
Appendix A - Summary of Charges: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
2010/11
5
2
A.7 MEASURED NON-HOUSEHOLD CHARGES
A.7.a Water Charges
A.7.a.i Standard Tariffs
Meter size (upper limit)
20mm
30mm
35mm
40mm
50mm
65mm and over
Standing charge
£33.30 p.a.
£81.00 p.a.
£138.00 p.a.
£176.40 p.a.
£295.20 p.a.
£504.00 p.a.
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 99.02p
A.7.a.ii Optional Tariffs
focus20 tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual water consumption in excess of
20,000m
3
pa but below 50,000m
3
p.a.
A
nnual fixed charge per site (in place of normal meter standing charges): £2,736.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 86.64p
focusextra tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual water consumption in excess of
50,000m
3
pa but below 175,000m
3
p.a.
Annual fixed charge per site (in place of normal meter standing charges): £11,400.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 69.31p
focusplus tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual water consumption of at least
175,000m
3
p.a.
A
nnual fixed charge per site (in place of normal meter standing charges): £34,800.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre:
Up to 2,500,000 cubic metres p.a.
On any balance above 2,500,000 cubic metres p.a.
55.95p
47.03p
A.7.b Teesside Industrial Raw Water System
Annual site charge: £10,430.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 18.07p
Appendix A - Summary of Charges: NORTHUMBRIAN REGION
2010/11
5
3
A.7.c Sewerage Charges
A.7.c.i Standard Tariffs
A volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 90.17p
PLUS:
Surface Water and Highway Drainage Charge
Band 1 - up to 350 m
2
Band 2 - 351 to 750 m
2
Band 3 - 751 to 1,500 m
2
Band 4 - 1,501 to 2,500 m
2
B
and 5 - 2,501 to 5,000 m
2
Band 6 - 5,001 to 7,500 m
2
Band 7 - 7,501 to 10,000 m
2
Band 8 - 10,001 to 15,000 m
2
Band 9 - 15,001 to 25,000 m
2
Band 10 - 25,001 to 50,000 m
2
Band 11 - 50,001 to 75,000 m
2
Band 12 - 75,001 to 100,000 m
2
Band 13 - 100,001 to 125,000 m
2
Band 14 - 125,001 to 150,000 m
2
Band 15 - over 150,000 m
2
Charge p.a.***
£100.90
£313.10
£647.10
£1,152.00
£2,154.00
£3,582.00
£5,007.00
£7,134.00
£11,352.00
£21,057.00
£34,527.00
£47,553.00
£60,120.00
£71,847.00
£89,049.00
*** Rebates are given for properties not connected for surface water
drainage (see Section 5.4 for details). The level of rebate is:
70% of Band
Charge
A.7.c.ii Optional Sewerage Volume Tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual sewage discharge in excess of
50,000m
3
p.a.
A
nnual fixed charge per site: £1,356.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 87.47p
Plus surface water and highway drainage charges: as described in
A.7.c.i above.
A.7.d Trade Effluent Charges
Standard Charges
$
(pence per cubic metre)
Reception Charge, R 29.79p
Volumetric Charge, V 14.60p
Additional Volumetric Charge, Bv
(payable only where biological treatment applies) 8.10p
Biological Charge, B 11.10p
(=31.72p per kg)
Sludge Charge, S 10.13p
(=59.57p per kg)
$
Subject to an annual minimum charge of: £
366.75
Applied at: 100.05p per day
Appendix B - Summary of Charges : ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION
2010/11
5
4
Essex Suffolk
APPENDIX B SUMMARY OF CHARGES: ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION
(For Northumbrian Region see Appendix A)
B.1 VAT
All charges published in this appendix exclude VAT unless specified
otherwise. VAT will be added to the published charge at the
appropriate rate where required.
B.2 DIRECT DEBIT DISCOUNT
Bills calculated in accordance with charges in this section will be subject
to an annual reduction for customers paying Essex & Suffolk Water
directly by Direct Debit.
Water Service Direct Debit Discount: £3.00 £3.00
B.3 SEWERAGE CHARGES
Essex & Suffolk Water bills and collects sewerage services charges in
the Essex & Suffolk Region on behalf of Thames Water Utilities Limited.
The charges for these services are levied in accordance with the
Charges Scheme of Thames Water Utilities Limited.
Appendix B - Summary of Charges : ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION
2010/11
5
5
Essex Suffolk
B.4 UNMEASURED HOUSEHOLD WATER CHARGES
B.4.a Standard Charges
Fixed Charge: £47.50 £47.50
Rateable Value Charge – pence per £RV: 70.60p 106.51p
Subject to a minimum annual charge:
(This charge will also apply to properties with no rateable value)
£80.00 £80.00
B.4.b Assessed Charges
Payable only where a household customer has requested a free meter
option but this has been refused by Essex & Suffolk Water on the
grounds of impracticality or unreasonable cost.
Standard: £165.20 £195.90
Single occupier: £110.30 £128.10
B.4.c Supplementary Assessed Charges
Swimming Pool
With recirculation:
Without recirculation:
£56.10
£131.90
£69.10
£162.60
Sprinkler supplement: £52.80 £65.00
B.5 MEASURED HOUSEHOLD WATER CHARGES
B.5.a Standard Tariffs
Charge per annum
Meter size (upper limit)
20mm
30mm
35mm
40mm
50mm
65mm and over
£33.30
£81.00
£138.00
£176.40
£295.20
£504.00
£33.30
£81.00
£138.00
£176.40
£295.20
£504.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 109.93p 135.48p
B.5.b WaterSure Tariff for Vulnerable Customers
WaterSure Scheme tariff for metered customers falling within the two
groups defined in Section 6 of the Charges Scheme, based on the
Essex & Suffolk Region’s average household bill:
£182.00 £182.00
Appendix B - Summary of Charges : ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION
2010/11
5
6
Essex Suffolk
B.6 UNMEASURED NON-HOUSEHOLD WATER CHARGES
Fixed Charge: £47.50 £47.50
Rateable Value Charge – pence per £RV: 70.60p 106.51p
Subject to a minimum annual charge:
(This charge will also apply to properties with no rateable value) £80.00 £80.00
Watering Point: £93.40 £115.20
Washdown Point: £351.80 £433.50
B.7 MEASURED NON-HOUSEHOLD WATER CHARGES
B.7.a Standard Tariffs
Charge per annum
Meter size (upper limit)
20mm
30mm
35mm
40mm
50mm
65mm and over
£33.30
£81.00
£138.00
£176.40
£295.20
£504.00
£33.30
£81.00
£138.00
£176.40
£295.20
£504.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 109.93p 135.48p
B.7.b Optional Tariffs
focus20 tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual water consumption in excess of
20,000m
3
pa but below 50,000m
3
p.a.
Annual fixed charge per site (in place of normal meter standing
charges): £2,628.00 £2,988.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 98.06p 121.80p
focusextra tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual water consumption in excess of
50,000m
3
pa but below 175,000m
3
p.a.
Annual fixed charge per site (in place of normal meter standing
charges): £9,540.00 £11,400.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre: 84.21p 105.00p
focusplus tariff
Suitable for customers with an annual water consumption of at least
175,000m
3
p.a.
Annual fixed charge per site (in place of normal meter standing
charges): £25,560.00 £29,160.00
Plus volume charge – pence per cubic metre:
Up to 1,000,000 cubic metres p.a. 75.03p 94.84p
On any balance above 1,000,000 cubic metres p.a. 67.61p 84.68p
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
5
7
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
APPENDIX C MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
C.1 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MISCELLANEOUS
CHARGES
C.1.a Different Charges in Different Areas
Charges may be different in the Northumbrian, Essex and
Suffolk regions. This reflects the different costs of providing
the services in each region.
Sewerage services in the Essex & Suffolk regions are
provided by Anglian Water or Thames Water. No charges
are provided for sewerage services in this appendix for these
regions. The relevant supplier should be contacted for their
charges.
Where a charge does not apply to a particular area no charge
will be provided and the section will be shaded.
C.1.b Standard Charges
The standard charges quoted apply for works carried out
during normal working hours on normal working days under
standard conditions. In other instances Northumbrian Water
or Essex & Suffolk Water reserves the right to charge on a
basis of actual costs, provided the applicant is notified
accordingly prior to commencement of the work.
C.1.c Payment
Payments for charges in this section may be required in
advance unless specified to the contrary.
C.1.d VAT
All charges published in this appendix exclude VAT unless
specified otherwise. VAT will be added to the published
charge at the appropriate rate where required.
C.1.e Traffic Management Act
Additional charges may be made for traffic management
expenses.
C.1.f Disputes
In accordance with Section 45(6A) Water Industry Act 1991
any dispute between Northumbrian Water or Essex & Suffolk
Water and any other person as to the charge in this Appendix
may be referred to the Water Services Regulation Authority
for determination.
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
5
8
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
C.2 PLANNING NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AND
CONNECTIONS
C.2.a Development Enquiries
C.2.a.i Initial Plan Enquiries:
Water or Sewerage (where applicable) Single Plan:
A4
A3
A2
A1
A0
£14.50
£20.00
£29.00
£48.00
£77.00
£14.50
£20.00
£29.00
£48.00
£77.00
£14.50
£20.00
£29.00
£48.00
£77.00
Water and Sewerage Separate Plan:
A4
A3
A2
A1
A0
£23.00
£29.00
£48.00
£87.00
£144.00
C.2.a.ii Development Enquiries:
Water only: £206.00 £206.00 £206.00
Sewerage only: £320.00
Combined service – Water & Sewerage: £483.00
C.2.a.iii Pressure Profiling / Flow And Pressure Investigations
Any additional work required in addition to standard
investigations carried out as part of a Development Enquiry
will be charged at the following rates:
Charge per hour per technician: £43.00 £40.00 £40.00
Minimum of one hour (including travelling time)
C.2.b Designing New Supplies
C.2.b.i Design Fees:
Site design for up to 50 Properties: £463.00 £463.00 £463.00
Each connection for sites greater than 50 houses: £2.07 £2.07 £2.07
C.2.b.ii Revision of site design:
Amendment of drawings – charge per hour: £35.00 £35.00 £35.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
5
9
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
C.3 NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIONS
C.3.a Provision of a New Connection Quotation
This charge is refundable against the cost of a new
connection when progressed. £45.00 £45.00 £45.00
C.3.b Infrastructure Charges
Standard charge for household properties:
Water: £298.15 £298.15 £298.15
Sewerage: £298.15 £298.15* £298.15*
*Sewerage charges are collected on behalf of Thames Water
in relevant areas
All other connections; charges are based upon the number of
fixtures and fitting to be connected - see section 10 of this
charges scheme.
C.3.c New Connection to Public Water Mains
The section covers service connections to newly installed
water mains on development sites and to existing water
mains.
Charges for new supply connections and building water
charges can be found on our website at:
www.nwl.co.uk
for the Northumbrian Region
www.eswater.co.uk for the Essex & Suffolk Region
All charges are subject to Developer Services terms and
conditions.
Additional charges may be applied for traffic management
expenses.
In accordance with Section 45(6A) Water Industry Act 1991
any dispute between Northumbrian Water and any other
person as to the charges for the above may be referred to the
Water Services Regulation Authority for determination.
C.3.d New Connection To Public Sewer
The standard administration / inspection charge for
processing a request: £99.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
0
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
C.3.e Building Over Sewers
C.3.e.i New Agreements
Unless agreed otherwise, from 1 April 1996, Northumbrian
Water will accept single storey extensions, domestic garages,
and two storey extensions to residential properties to be
constructed over a sewer. Approval for such construction is
subject to the applicant either:
• completing an Undertaking to provide unlimited cover to
Northumbrian Water and paying a charge in respect of
Northumbrian Water’s administration costs, or;
• paying a sum of money as determined by Northumbrian
Water, in lieu of such an Undertaking to cover any future
liabilities regarding damage to the sewer and resulting
losses to Northumbrian Water.
C.3.e.ii Existing Agreements
Any property owner with whom Northumbrian Water has an
existing Agreement or Undertaking may instead apply to pay
a sum of money in lieu. The amount required will be the
same as for new buildings.
If the building was constructed longer than 5 years before the
time of application, a CCTV survey may be required. The
cost of this survey will be payable by the owner.
C.3.e.iii Site Survey Charges:
Charge for locating the sewer at site where a request has
been made for a Building over Sewer Agreement: £67.00
C.3.e.iv CCTV Survey Charges:
Charge for an CCTV Survey to inspect the condition of the
sewer where a request has been made for a Building over
Sewer Agreement: £207.00
C.3.e.v Agreement Charges
The charge incurred for an Undertaking to provide unlimited
cover to Northumbrian Water: £300.00
The following charges are made in lieu of entering into a
“Building Over Agreement”. The charging bands are based
on the floor areas used for building regulations purposes.
Single Storey
Buildings under 6m
2
Buildings 6m
2
or over and under 10m
2
Buildings 10m
2
or over and under 15m
2
Buildings 15m
2
or over and under 20m
2
B
uildings 20m
2
or over and under 30m
2
B
uildings 30m
2
or over and under 40m
2
Buildings 40m
2
or over
£421.00
£504.00
£588.00
£674.00
£758.00
£845.00
£1,299.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
1
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
Two Storey
Buildings under 6m
2
Buildings 6m
2
or over and under 10m
2
Buildings 10m
2
or over and under 15m
2
Buildings 15m
2
or over and under 20m
2
Buildings 20m
2
or over and under 30m
2
Buildings 30m
2
or over and under 40m
2
Buildings 40m
2
or over
£701.00
£843.00
£983.00
£1,124.00
£1,264.00
£1,405.00
£2,115.00
C.3.f Cancelled Job Charge
Where a new service connection job is cancelled after
payment has been received, an administration fee will be
deducted from this payment prior to a refund being issued:
£85.00 £85.00 £85.00
C.4 APPROVING NEW WATER CONNECTIONS
C.4.a Trench Inspections
Successful Inspection: No
Charge
No
Charge
No
Charge
Failed Inspection (per visit):
Charge per hour per technician: £45.00 £45.00 £45.00
C.5 WATER USE DURING DEVELOPMENT
Charge to be made for water used during construction
projects
For each flat or maisonette:
For each house or bungalow:
For each small non-household unit:
For each large non-household unit:
£27.00
£53.00
£80.00
£187.00
£27.00
£53.00
£80.00
£187.00
£27.00
£53.00
£80.00
£187.00
Complex developments must be metered. e.g. shopping
malls, stadiums, factories.
C.6 INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIONS NO LONGER
REQUIRED
If it is necessary to move, remove or abandon existing water
mains or any of our apparatus, or you request us to carry out
associated works, we will charge you for the cost of the work.
Individual estimates are provided as necessary and must be
paid for in advance: POA POA POA
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
2
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
C.7 SELF-LAY CHARGES
Non contestable charges applicable where a developer
wishes to self lay water mains and / or service connections
related to new development sites
C.7.a Where it is requested that NWL/ESW carry out the design
Site design for up to 50 Properties £463.00 £463.00 £463.00
Each connection for sites greater than 50 houses: £2.07 £2.07 £2.07
C.7.b Where it is requested that NWL/ESW vet an SLO design
including one site visit
£393.00 £393.00 £393.00
C.7.c Mains connection and commissioning
POA POA POA
C.7.d Back to back site connections where it is necessary for
NWL/ESW to made the connection
POA POA POA
C.7.e Additional pre-design site visits
Charge per visit. Up to 2 hours, including travelling. £70.00 £70.00 £70.00
Charge for each additional hour or part thereof £35.00 £35.00 £35.00
C.7.f Site Inspection and audit per phase
POA POA POA
C.7.g Additional Samples
£144.23 £144.23 £144.23
C.7.h Preparation of legal agreement
£220.00 £220.00 £220.00
C.7.i Service connection administration fee (includes standard
meter provision)
£102.00 £102.00 £102.00
C.8 ATTENDANCE ON SITE BY NWL TECHNICIANS AT
CUSTOMER REQUEST
C.8.a Technician Call Out Charge
When a customer (or their representative) requests the
attendance of a Technician to their property, we will attend.
However, there may be a charge if it's something that can be
fixed by or has been caused by you or a third party. So
please check carefully before arranging a visit by a
technician. We will also charge for technical and non-
technical advice provided on site.
There will be a charge for any activity requested that is not
related to a fault on our apparatus.
When charges do apply, they will be secured in advance at
the point of contact.
Charges are as follows:-
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
3
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
Charge per Incident
During Normal Working Hours (08.00-17.00 Mon-Fri only):
Minimum of one hour (inclusive of travelling time to the
incident): £45.00 £40.00 £40.00
Outside Normal Working Hours and Public Holidays:
Minimum of 2 hours (inclusive of travelling time to the
incident):
£90.00 £80.00 £80.00
Additional hourly charge for each subsequent hour or part
hour:
£45.00 £40.00 £40.00
The charge does not apply if the fault is covered under our
supply pipe policy or the activity required is to disconnect or
turn off the water supply to a household property.
If a repair team are subsequently required, all work carried
out by them will be in addition to the Technician fixed charge
above, this will be at actual cost inclusive of overheads
excepting where it is covered by the fixed cost work covered
elsewhere in these charges, (additional costs could include
plant, equipment, hire charges, contractor charges,
reinstatement of surfaces and fittings etc.).
C.8.b Installation, renewal and repair of stop tap valves
Standard charge to install, renew or repair a stop tap valve
belonging to Northumbrian Water where the customer or his
agent specifically requests this to be done in less than 20
working days:
During normal working hours:
No reinstatement:
With reinstatement:
£253.00
£326.00
£266.00
£371.00
£266.00
£371.00
Outside normal working hours:
No reinstatement:
With reinstatement:
£299.00
£386.00
£266.00
£388.00
£266.00
£388.00
C.8.c Connection of Customers Relaid Supply Pipe where
existing Outside Stop Valve is fitted
No excavation: £124.00 £220.00 £220.00
No reinstatement: £182.00 £267.00 £267.00
With reinstatement: £269.00 £348.00 £348.00
C.8.d Other Activities
Attendance for commercial activities during normal working
hours (tank filling, flow and pressure tests on the network,
leakage advice etc.) will be charged at the rates shown in
section C.8.a.
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
4
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
In addition any water used will be charged the standard
volume rate:
Pence per cubic meter:
91.82p
C.8.e Customer Failed Appointment
A charge will be made if Northumbrian Water or Essex &
Suffolk Water personnel arrive at a location for an
appointment and the customer is absent, or if the
appointment is no longer required and could have been
cancelled: £22.00 £20.00 £20.00
C.9 DAMAGE TO COMPANY APPARATUS
Repairs to company apparatus will be carried out by company
staff or company approved contractors
All charges will be based on actual costs inclusive of
overheads excepting where it is covered by the fixed cost
work covered elsewhere in these charges (additional costs
could include plant, equipment, hire charges, contractor
charges, reinstatement of surfaces and fittings, etc.):
At cost At cost At cost
C.10 SUPPLEMENTARY WATER SUPPLY SERVICES
C.10.a Metered Standpipe
The period of hire will be defined as part of the licence for
use. A minimum 1 month rental period applies and
standpipes must be returned at agreed intervals for the meter
to be read.
Charges apply as follows:
Deposit: The deposit for each 25mm standpipe is
refundable when the standpipe is returned. Loss or
damage to the standpipe will be deducted from this sum.
Repairs during the hire period will be charged in full. £150.00 £150.00 £150.00
Monthly Charge: including an allowance of 10 cubic
metres of water per month:
£70.00 £71.00 £74.00
6 Month Hire: including an allowance of 50 cubic metres
of water: £240.00 £246.00 £258.00
12 Month Hire: including an allowance of 75 cubic metres
of water: £421.00 £430.00 £449.00
Consumption in excess of the allowance will be charged at
the standard volumetric rate.
C.10.b Temporary Supplies For Visiting Fairs, Shows Etc.
Standard charge per month or part thereof for each supply
afforded where it is not metered: £159.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
5
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
C.10.c Supply Of Water From Company Depots
Fixed charge per load: £46.00 £46.00 £46.00
Plus Volumetric Charge per cubic metre: £1.2517 £1.6259 £1.6259
C.11 SUPPLEMENTARY SEWERAGE SERVICES
C.11.a Assess Or Revise Trade Effluent Consent
Charge for determining new or revised consent conditions.
Without Special Category Effluent: £130.00
With Special Category Effluent or other significant
parameter: At cost
Resample charge: £102.00
C.11.b Cleaning And Blockage Clearance Of Private Drains And
Sewers
When Northumbrian Water cleans or removes blockages
from private drains or sewers, Northumbrian Water may make
the following charges:
During normal working hours: £70.00
Outside normal working hours: £107.00
In exceptional circumstances, Northumbrian Water reserves
the right to make additional charges.
C.11.c Treatment Of Tankered Industrial Effluents
By arrangement, Northumbrian Water will accept for
biological treatment industrial liquid effluents discharged from
road tankers into appropriately licensed facilities. The
charges made will reflect the specific costs associated with
the reception of such effluents plus a charge for biological
treatment calculated on the same basis as Northumbrian
Water’s trade effluent tariffs, as described in Section C.11.d
below.
C.11.d Disposal Of Septic Tank And Cesspool Contents
The charges made by Northumbrian Water for the reception,
treatment and disposal of septic tank and cesspool contents,
and for waste sewage discharged from other recovery
operations, are related to the average strength of these
wastes compared to the regional average strength of all
sewage received by Northumbrian Water at its works. A fixed
charge per tanker load will be applicable. The charges will be
subject to VAT where this is necessary.
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
6
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
The majority of waste received by Northumbrian Water from
these sources originates from septic tanks and the standard
charge reflects this. However, waste from cesspools is
typically of lower strength than that from septic tanks and to
that extent some of the associated costs of treatment and
disposal are lower. Where waste delivered to a sewage
treatment works is certified by the party making delivery as
having originated solely from cesspools, a lower charge than
the standard charge will apply. Sewage discharged from
other recovery operations will be charged on the basis of
analysis and as if it were trade effluent.
Northumbrian Water will take samples of any waste received
at its sewage treatment works, in order to verify where
appropriate that it is consistent with waste originating solely
from cesspools and in any case that it will not jeopardize the
operation of the works or its compliance with any relevant
discharge consents. The results of such samples may
require that Northumbrian Water refuse to accept the waste
or make additional charges for its treatment. For cesspool
and septic tank discharges the analysis costs are
incorporated in the fixed charge per tanker.
Charge per tanker (includes sampling charges): £11.20
PLUS:
Charge per cubic metre:
Cesspool waste only: £3.06
Chemical toilet waste: £10.10
Other waste (septic tank or combined waste): £14.09
C.12 METERS
C.12.a Meter Testing
Standard charge where a test is carried out in accordance
with the Water (Meters) Regulations 1988 at the request of
the customer and the meter on being tested falls within the
prescribed limits of error. Such testing will normally require
the removal of the meter from the customer’s premises.
Meters up to 40mm (including VAT): £70.00 £70.00 £70.00
All other meters: At cost At cost At cost
C.12.b Reading Of Meters
Charge per meter visit
Standard charge to read a meter where requested by the
customer
Privately owned meters: £31.00 £31.00 £31.00
Northumbrian Water owned meters (except for disabled
or elderly customers): £31.00 £31.00 £31.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
7
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
If the customer requests a mid term reading a charge will be
made as per readings on privately owned meters.
C.12.c Installation of New, Optant or Selective Meter in a
location other than that defined by Northumbrian Water’s
Meter Location Policy
£40.00 £40.00 £40.00
C.12.d Installation Of Water Meters On Existing Supplies
These charges do not apply to properties metered under the
companies Optant Metering Programme (see section 4.3) or
the Selective Metering Programme (see section 4.4
).
Household customers may be required to pay the additional
costs of installation if they require a meter to be installed in a
location other than the Company’s preferred location.
C.12.d.i Meter Installation on Existing External Pipework
15mm/20mm:
Private Land (excluding reinstatement): £250.00 £286.00 £286.00
Public Highway (including reinstatement): £390.00 £390.00 £390.00
C.12.d.ii Meter Installation in Existing Boundary Box
15mm/20mm: £58.00 £56.00 £56.00
C.12.d.iii Meter Installation – Internal:
£122.00 £176.00 £176.00
C.12.d.iv Customer’s Contractor Carries out
Excavation/Installation
Includes up to two separate visits to be made to mark the
excavation location and to inspect the boundary box
installation and fix the meter where appropriate:
No
Charge
No
Charge
No
Charge
Where further visits are necessary, these may be charged at
rate shown in section C.8.a.
C.12.d.v Reduction in Meter Size at Customer’s Request:
POA POA POA
C.12.d.vi All Other Situations
All other situations for installation or modification of meters on
existing supplies will be charged at cost/on a fixed price
quotation basis that has previously been notified to the
customer unless specified otherwise.
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
8
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
C.13 BILLING
C.13.a Consequence Of Non-Payment Of Account
Magistrates Forced Entry Warrant: £353.00 £353.00 £353.00
Cheque payments that have to be referred back to the
account holder: £14.25 £14.25 £14.25
Unpaid Direct Debit / Credit Card transactions: £4.10 £4.10 £4.10
Visit to non-household customer to collect outstanding
charges (including any required stop tap operation):
Visit carried out during Normal Working Hours (08.00-
17.00 Mon-Fri only): £60.00 £60.00 £60.00
Visit carried out outside Normal Working Hours or on a
Public Holidays: £120.00 £120.00 £120.00
Disconnection of non-household premises: At cost At cost At cost
C.13.b Requests For Copies Of Bills for Separate Services
Northumbrian Water provides bills, customer accounting and
other facilities to properties within its area of supply for both
water and sewerage services. If a customer requests
separate bills to be provided for each service, Northumbrian
Water may make a charge to recover the additional costs
incurred with such a request.
C.13.c Requests For Copies Of Bills Already Issued
Covers up to 10 bills per request: £14.00 £14.00 £14.00
This charge will be waived for household customers, except
as noted under C.13.d below.
C.13.d Requests For Account Statements
Cost per statement requested: £27.00 £27.00 £27.00
Household customers will only be charged when either they
or their representatives request copies of bills and/or
statements covering a number of previous charging periods,
for example, for the purpose of completing returns to the
Inland Revenue or providing information to accountants.
C.14 WATER QUALITY
Water quality sampling results may be inspected and a print
out given. This service is free to residents for samples taken
within their supply zone. Inspection or prints of information
for supply zones where a customer is not resident will be
charged at:
One zone: £27.00 £27.00 £27.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
6
9
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
Each zone thereafter: £1.00 £1.00 £1.00
C.15 WATER REGULATIONS INSPECTIONS
C.15.a Inspections
Initial Inspection: No
Charge
No
Charge
No
Charge
Successful inspection: No
Charge
No
Charge
No
Charge
Interim Inspections:
Charge per technician hour or any part of an hour: £45.00 £45.00 £45.00
C.15.b Failed Appointments
Fee for a customer cancellation giving less than 1 week’s
notice: £90.00 £90.00 £90.00
C.16 FIRE HYDRANTS
C.16.a New Hydrants Installations
80mm 100mm main:
150mm main:
200mm main:
£340.00
£487.00
£747.00
£369.00
£432.00
£561.00
£369.00
£432.00
£561.00
Post & Plate: £34.00
Shared Washout Rate :
50% of
applicable
charge
50% of
applicable
charge
C.16.b Hydrant Repairs
Replace lid in existing frame:
Replace Lid & Frame (inc excavation in carriageway):
Replace Lid & Frame (inc excavation in footway):
Replace Lid & Frame (inc excavation in verge):
£122.00
£327.00
£258.00
£215.00
£68.00
£241.00
£241.00
£241.00
£68.00
£241.00
£241.00
£241.00
Reset existing lid & frame (inc. Excavation in carriageway):
Reset existing lid & frame (inc. Excavation in footway):
Reset existing lid & frame (inc. Excavation in verge):
£382.00
£314.00
£272.00
Post & Plating £71.00 £71.00
Post & Plating (install):
Post & Plating (remove):
£186.00
£88.00
Renew Hydrant (inc. Excavation in carriageway):
Renew Hydrant (inc. Excavation in footway):
Renew Hydrant (inc. Excavation in verge):
£791.00
£712.00
£671.00
£1,026.00
£867.00
£858.00
£1,026.00
£867.00
£858.00
Rebuild Chamber (inc excavation in carriageway): £371.00 £298.00 £298.00
Appendix C - MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
2010/11
7
0
All charges exclude VAT unless otherwise specified
North Essex Suffolk
Rebuild Chamber (inc excavation in footway):
Rebuild Chamber (inc excavation in verge):
£290.00
£251.00
£292.00
£263.00
£292.00
£263.00
Repair & Repack Hydrant (inc. Excavation in carriageway):
Repair & Repack Hydrant (inc. Excavation in footway):
Repair & Repack Hydrant (inc. Excavation in verge):
Repair & Repack Hydrant (without excavation):
£674.00
£596.00
£552.00
£320.00
£329.00
£307.00
£307.00
£154.00
£329.00
£307.00
£307.00
£154.00
Abandon Hydrant (inc excavation in carriageway):
Abandon Hydrant (inc excavation in footway):
Abandon Hydrant (inc excavation in verge):
£649.00
£558.00
£517.00
All Other Situations
All other situations for hydrant installations/repairs will be
charged on a fixed price quotation basis that has
previously been notified to the customer unless specified
otherwise.
C.16.c Use Of Hydrants By Local Authorities / Other Authorised
Users
A consumption charge on an assessed volume.
Charge per cubic metre: £1.2517 £1.6259 £1.6259
NORTHUMBRIAN WATER – Summary of Main Charges 2010/11
ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION
Unmeasured Supplies
Essex
Suffolk
Fixed Charge -
£47.50
£47.50
Rateable Value Charge (pence per £ R.V.) -
£0.7060
£1.0651
Minimum Charge -
£80.00
£80.00
Assessed Charge - Standard
£165.20
£195.90
Single Occupier
£110.30
£128.10
Supplementary Charges - Sprinkler
£52.80
£65.00
Swimming Pool - Circulating
£56.10
£69.10
Swimming Pool - Non-circulating
£131.90
£162.60
Washdown Point -
£351.80
£433.50
Watering Point -
£93.40
£115.20
Measured Supplies
Standing Charge - 15mm £33.30
£33.30
20mm £33.30
£33.30
30mm £81.00
£81.00
35mm £138.00
£138.00
40mm £176.40
£176.40
50mm £295.20
£295.20
65mm & above
£504.00
£504.00
Volume Charge (pence per cubic metre) -
£1.0993
£1.3548
WaterSure -
£182.00
£182.00
Large Users
Site Charge -
focus20
£2,628.00
£2,988.00
focusextra
£9,540.00
£11.400.00
focusplus
£25,560.00
£29,160.00
Volume Charge (pence per cubic metre) -
focus20
£0.9806
£1.2180
focusextra
£0.8421
£1.0500
focusplus
£0.7503
£0.9484
focusplus > 1,000 ML / yr
£0.6761
£0.8468
ESSEX & SUFFOLK REGION
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