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.
この記事は The Guardian の June 08, 2024 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は The Guardian の June 08, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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