Services in and for the home
Water is supplied to all homes in the UK. The charge for this is called the water rates.
When you move into a new home (bought or rented), you should receive a letter telling
you the name of the company responsible for supplying you water. The water rates may
be paid in one payment (a lump sum) or in installments, usually monthly. If you receive
Housing Benefit, you should check to see if this covers the water rates. The cost of the
water usually depends on the size of your property, but some homes have a water meter
which tells you exactly how much water you have used. In Northern Ireland water is
currently (2006) included in the domestic rates, although this may change in future.
All properties in the UK have electricity supplied at 240 volts. Most homes also have gas.
When you move into a new home or leave an old one, you should make a note of the
electricity and gas meter readings. If you have an urgent problem with your gas,
electricity or water supply, you can ring a 24-hour helpline. This can be found on your
bill, in the Yellow Pages or in the phone book.
It is possible to choose between different gas and electricity suppliers. These have
different prices and different terms and conditions. Get advice before you sign a contract
with a new supplier. To find out which company supplies your gas, telephone Transco.
To find out which company supplies your electricity, telephone Energywatch. They can
also give you advice on changing your supplier of electricity or gas.
Most homes already have a telephone line, called a land line. If you need a new line,
telephone BT, or contact a cable company. Many companies offer land line, mobile
telephone and broadband Internet services. You can get advice about prices or about
changing your company from Ofcom. You can call from public payphones using cash,
prepaid phonecards or credit or debit cards. Calls made from hotels and hostels are
usually more expensive.
Dial 999 or 112 for emergency calls for police, fire or ambulance service. These calls are
free. Do not use these numbers if it is not a real emergency; you can always find the local
numbers for these services in the phone book.
Information on how to pay for water, gas, electricity and the telephone is found on the
back of each bill. If you have a bank account you can pay your bills by standing order or
direct debit. Most companies operate a budget scheme which allows you to pay a fixed
amount every month. If you do not pay a bill, the service can be cut off. To get a service
reconnected, you have to pay another charge.
Refuse is also called waste, or rubbish. The local authority collects the waste regularly,
usually on the same day of each week. Waste must be put outside in a particular place to
get collected. In some parts of the country the waste is put into plastic bags, in others it is
put into bins with wheels. In many places you must recycle your rubbish, separating
paper, glass, metal or plastic from the other rubbish. Large objects which you want to
throw away, such as a bed, a wardrobe or a fridge, need to be collected separately.
Contact your local authority to arrange this. If you have a business, such as a factory or a
shop, you must make special arrangements with the local authority for your waste to be
collected. It is a criminal offense to dump rubbish anywhere.
Local government services, such as education, police, roads, refuse collection and
libraries, are paid for partly by grants from the government and partly by Council Tax. In
Northern Ireland there is a system of domestic rates instead of the Council Tax. The
amount of Council Tax you pay depends on the size and value of your house or flat
(dwelling). You must register to pay Council Tax when you move to a new property,
either as the owner or the tenant. You can pay the tax in one payment, in two
installments, or in ten installments (from April to January).
If only one person lives in the flat or house, you get a 25% reduction on your Council tax.
(This does not apply in Northern Ireland). You may also get a reduction if someone in the
property has a disability. People on a low income or who receive benefits such as Income
Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance can get Council Tax Benefit. You can get advice on
this from the local authority or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Buildings and household insurance
If you buy a home with a mortgage, you must insure the building against fire, theft and
accidental damage. The landlord should arrange insurance for rented buildings. It is also
wise to insure your possessions against theft or damage. There are many companies that
provide insurance.
If you live in rented accommodation, you will have a tenancy agreement. This explains
all the conditions of your tenancy. It will probably include information on what to do if
you have problems with your housing. Occasionally, there may be problems with your
neighbours. If you do have problems with your neighbours, they can be solved be
speaking to them first. If you cannot solve the problem, speak to your landlord, local
authority or housing association. Keep the record of the problems in case you have to
show exactly what the problems are and when they started. Neighbours who cause a very
serious nuisance may be taken to court and can be evicted from their home.
There are several mediation organisations which help neighbours to solve their disputes
without having to go to court. Mediators talk to both sides and try to find a solution
acceptable to both. You can get details of mediation organisations from the local
authority, Citizens Advice, and Mediation UK.
The process for buying and renting accommodation
Where to get advice about accommodation and moving
Housing priorities for local authorities
Where to get help if you are homeless
How you can pay for the water you use at home
What to do if you have problems with your neighbours
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