If you’re an unmetered customer, your bills are based on the rateable value (RV) of your property – an assessed consumption based on data about your business, such as building size and location. Of course, two properties with the same rateable value might use completely different amounts of water. So, some customers may feel they are paying too much.
Applying for reassessment
One option to consider is called “reassessment”, whereby Scottish Water will either install a water meter free of charge or reassess your water charges.
It’s important that you know what’s involved in reassessment before you apply as once you’ve applied to be reassessed, you won’t be able to return to your rateable-value charge.
There are a few steps to follow when applying for your water charges reassessment. We’re here to help each step of the way should you need it.
Step 1
Fill in the form and submit it to us.
Step 2
We’ll check that you’ve completed the form correctly and then pass it to Scottish Water.
Step 3
Scottish Water will review your application within ten days. They’ll then contact you.
Step 4
In the first instance, Scottish Water will visit your property to install a water meter free of charge. If they’re unable to install a meter, they may make a contribution towards work required to have a water meter installed. If that’s the case we’ll be in touch to confirm their offer.
This payment is made following the installation of your meter and will be offset against any outstanding balance on your account. Acceptance and receipt of the contribution offer are subject to terms and conditions detailed in the contribution letter. If you decline the contribution offer, you’ll be moved to assessed charges.
Step 5
If Scottish Water determine that it’s not feasible to install a meter at your property, for instance you’re on a shared supply, they’ll provide a reassessed charge.
Step 6
Once the reassessed charges have been confirmed we’ll update your account as required. If you are placed on a reassessed volume, you’ll be charged on that basis from the date that Scottish Water acknowledge your application form. If you get a meter, charges will begin from the date it’s installed. Please be aware that metered or reassessed charges are not backdated.
The terms of reassessment
When Scottish Water review your application for reassessment they could reject it if information is considered inaccurate. It’s also possible that Scottish Water will insist that a meter is fitted at its cost. If you don’t allow access to your property should a meter survey be required by Scottish Water, it’s likely the application process will cease and you will be placed on an assessed charge.
As stated above, if your property has not been surveyed and if Scottish Water decides it can’t fit a meter at its own cost, you may be offered a contribution towards changes to your pipework. You don’t have to accept this offer. If you don’t accept it, you’ll be provided with a reassessed charge to accept or the opportunity to challenge in writing, providing evidence.
You must be reassessed for both your water and waste waster services even if you have more than one licensed provider.
If you move in to a previously assessed property, we would invite you to apply for reassessment to determine if a meter can be fitted or if there’s a change to your assessed charges.
Note that you could be reassessed by Scottish Water once every three years, or you can apply for reassessment every 12 months.
