Thousands of water company customers are thought to be withholding payments, but this is the first known case of a company enforcing a claim against a customer's home.
Imogen May, from Crediton, Devon, has withheld payment since 2019 and has a £2,809 debt. South West Water won a county court judgment over the debt and has claimed an interest in May's cottage via the Land Registry. When sold, the company can claim what it says it is owed.
May has also withheld payment of council tax, arguing that the funds are not being spent on people's priorities such as environmental projects and children's mental health services.
Mid Devon district council is now applying for a court order to force the sale of May's cottage.
"This is about using my place of privilege as a homeowner to push the boundaries," she said. "It's about necessity. Unless we challenge them and show them that we're not frightened of them, they will continue to do what they're doing.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 08, 2024 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 08, 2024 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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