Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, is urging Severn Trent Water to review its refund policy for surface water drainage.
Gavin contacted the company after a constituent informed him that they were experiencing difficulties obtaining a full refund for service water drainage, after discovering their property did not utilise the service.
Severn Trent charges customers for drainage of service water – the rain that falls on their property - into the public sewers (around £80 per annum for the average household).
If a customer’s surface water does not drain into the sewer, they can apply for a refund for the sum that they have already been charged and have their account adjusted accordingly for any future payments.
However, Severn Trent will only provide a refund for the period stretching from April of the year in which the application is submitted.
Gavin has urged regulator Ofwat to take action on this matter and the regulator has informed all water companies that it is currently reviewing – and likely to implement - a transition to a six year rebate period, in line with general consumer policy.
A number of other water companies are already voluntarily offering repayment above the mandated minimum.
Gavin said: “It is utterly absurd that a full refund is not automatically being given in these cases. Many people will be completely unaware that they are being charged for a service they do not even use. On discovering this is the case, they should at least be provided a full refund for the years that they have been overcharged.
“From what I understand, there is a very high proportion of properties in South Staffordshire that are not actually receiving this surface water drainage, so many properties could save themselves up to £100 a year if they get this checked out.
“I would urge Severn Trent Water and other companies to immediately review their surface water drainage refund policy to ensure that their customers receive a fair deal. If they do not receive the service, they should not be paying for it.”
