One day left for water bill amnesty

Thousands of customers have owned up to Thames Water that they have been using water without paying

UNBILLED Thames Water customers have got just over one day left of a six week amnesty to come forward or face back pay charges.

The water company, which has said that about 22,000 people are using its water without being charged, are offering to waive previously unpaid bills if residents get in touch and agree to pay for their water from now on.

Thames Water started its six-week amnesty on January 20 and so far 5,625 people have since called the company's amnesty line and 1,655 are being checked to see if they have been unbilled.

Customers identified as unbilled who do not come forward could face up to six years of back charges.

Thames Water customer services director, Mike Tempest, said: "People who use our water but have never received a bill have until 8pm this Thursday (March 3) to take advantage of our amnesty for unbilled customers.

"All they have to do is call our amnesty line, 0800 072 3628, and we'll wipe the slate clean provided they pay for their water from now on.

"It's a no-brainer. Risking it just isn't worth it. Do that and you could face six years of bill in one go, which isn't something I'd wish on anyone.”

The company, which supplies water to more than three million properties across London and the Thames Valley, says the problem of unpaid bills has come from older properties being divided up.

The amnesty will not apply to customers whose accounts are in the process of being set up.

Mr Tempest added: “We are carrying out our investigation - the audit and amnesty - as the fairest way of ensuring all our customers receive the correct bills, and we receives the income we need to maintain and improve the service we provide.”

For more information visit the water firm's website at www.thameswater.co.uk