WITH council tax and the water rates now due, I was more than surprised to find that residents of equally-rated council-taxed properties are paying different rates for their water.

This is apparently due to the fact that the water rate is based on the out-of-date rateable value of the property.

My property, based on the old rateable value of £303, costs me more than £175 for water, while another property with the old rateable value of £172 is paying about £99. Both properties are in "C" band.

Isn't it about time that the water providers found a fairer way of accessing these costs to its customers? I am aware of the scheme for a metered supply, but I see this as a separate issue.

DONALD STEVENS,

Lower Broadheath,

Near Worcester.