Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 26/4/2024
We have a water meter, everyone should have one. We only pay £17 per month.
Yes, we have one too. We have been paying £22 a month, but it is going up to £30. We have stopped flushing the loo unless necessary and have had our bath taken out. I'll have to be more careful about the washing machine, but I don't want everything to be grey!
Our pensions have been going up a little too, but, with everyone putting up their prices (including the taxman having a larger bite) we will actually have less disposable income next year.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 28/4/2024
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 26/4/2024
We have a water meter, everyone should have one. We only pay £17 per month.
Yes, we have one too. We have been paying £22 a month, but it is going up to £30. We have stopped flushing the loo unless necessary…
As they say in NZ “ if it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down”. A jug of water is a compromise for the former: we save the first run of shower water (before the hot water has arrived) in a big jug rather than it going down the plug, then use it for interim flushing. We don’t pay for water separately but that doesn’t mean we just waste it.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 28/4/2024
The much vaunted triple lock! Last financial year we ended up with 27p extra per month. Sorry admin, if this is getting political.
The triple lock is a con anyway. Firstly, the rise in the cost of essentials is way above the inflation rate, and secondly, the state pension is so ridiculously low that a percentage rise in such a tiny amount is peanuts. My state pension is now only worth about 80% in real terms of what it was worth when I retired 10 years ago.
As one person in a Band B house I pay £20.76/month with my water meter, definitely a saving. I'm a low user, using shower instead of bath and having three water butts for garden purposes and for rinsing the car after I've washed it.
Water meters don't work for everyone, but if you're on your own in a Band B or above house, it'd definitely be worth a look to see if savings can be made.
However the water companies really need to get their act together, shave off some bonuses and sort out the disgusting pollution! The fault for under-investment is theirs and I would rather not have to pay for their bad planning.
Ha, yes, the state pension... it's my only income and what the triple lock has given, the cost of living crisis has taken away. That's life!
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs. Bonce on 29/4/2024
We have occupational pensions too, but will they raise the tax threshold?
I have a small occupational pension too, but it was swallowed whole by the rise in gas and electricity prices.
When people say that pensioners are well off because of the triple-lock it makes me mad! They forget that that if someone on £30k, not a huge salary these days, gets a 4% rise they get as much money as someone on £15k who gets an 8% rise. Prices go up in pounds not percentages.
I have a full State pension plus a small occupational pension. OH has some of my tax allowance, so now I am paying tax. I sometimes work for the local Council as an election counter, so that income is taxed now too.
If you do not have a water meter contact your supplier and get them to come out to fit one, if they say it is not possible to have one fitted apply for a social tariff, this can only be applied if the water company have stated it is not possible to fit a meter.
Just got my first occupational pension statement for the new financial year. Reduced by �20. Happy days (not). I might add that I emailed our Labour MP about the threshold and she has not responded.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Water charges
via mobile 28/4/2024 at 9:15am
