THOUSANDS of Thames Water customers are stuck on unfair 30-year-old tariffs, The Sun can reveal.
Many without water meters have seen bills soar because they are calculated using their property’s rateable value — set way back in the 1990s.
1
One Sun reader told us his monthly payment was up by a huge 671 per cent, from £21 to £162.
Thames, which is trying to negotiate a multi-billion pound rescue deal, had said bills would rise by 31 per cent from April.
But many are up by more than 40 per cent.
Customers in homes unsuited to water meters — such as many flats — say they have been hit with higher hikes over the years.
Their bills are calculated by their historic rateable value, which can depend on size and location — so they will often vary for homes in the same street.
The Sun has been told that huge numbers of properties are unsuitable for water meters — including about 70 per cent in London.
It means many people are struggling on unfair tariffs — and we have delivered a dossier of cases to Thames asking it to investigate.
Consumer expert Martyn James said affordability was “deeply concerning”.
Industry regulator Ofwat said some customers may see their payments increase by more than average.
Thames said: “We offer comprehensive support for customers struggling to pay their bill.”
TESCO SALES UP
TESCO has revealed stronger sales over the latest quarter despite an “intensely competitive” grocery market.
The UK’s largest supermarket chain said it has increased its market share further after investing more in pricing to lure customers.
Group sales grew by 4.6 per cent to £16.4billion for the 13 weeks to May 24.
Food sales rose by 5.9 per cent while non-food sales, excluding toys, rose by 6.2 per cent.
£500 YOB FINES
DISRUPTIVE Ryanair passengers who are removed from planes will be fined £500.
The carrier said this will be the “minimum” penalty and it will continue to pursue offenders for civil damages.
It hopes the policy will “act as a deterrent to eliminate this unacceptable behaviour”.
The airline is suing one passenger for £12,600 after a Dublin-Lanzarote flight had to divert to Porto last year.
EX-WILKO STAFF COMPO
ABOUT 10,000 former Wilko workers will share a £2million payout following a legal case, it was announced yesterday.
The GMB union said an employment tribunal judgment ruled that the retailer had failed to properly consult with workers before going bust in 2023.
It means about 9,000 who worked in a store with 20 or more people will get four days’ pay.
And roughly 1,100 who worked in a distribution centre or support centre role will receive 13 days’ pay.
GMB rep David Bartlett said it was “the very least Wilko workers deserve”.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
