Gas and Electricity

Competition has now been introduced into the supply of electricity and gas in the UK, and there are a number of choices of supplier. Details and price comparisons can be found at http://www.energywatch.org.uk/ or by calling 0845 906 0708. Contact the individual companies for application procedures and connection charges.

For the supply of both gas and electricity, a credit meter is usually supplied and regular bills are sent to the customer following meter readings. In some accommodation you may already have, or choose to have, a “prepay” meter.  This involves crediting your gas/electricity meter using cash, and means you aren’t sent bills.  This method is particularly useful for people who are worried about budgeting or running up debts.  For new customers the company may ask for some form of security in the form of a cash deposit, a guarantor or a direct debit arrangement.

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Water

Domestic water supply is provided in the UK by a number of private companies.  In Herefordshire the company is Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru).  There is no charge for taking over a supply that is already connected. You may be able to choose whether to have your water supply metered or whether to be charged by another method (eg. a flat rate charge or one based on the value of the property). Tap water is safe to drink in the UK.

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Council Tax

This is payable to Herefordshire Council, although there are a few Herefordshire addresses, mostly in the Hay-on-Wye area, where Council Tax is payable to another local authority.  The amount of Council Tax you pay will depend on the accommodation in which you live and your personal circumstances.  As an example, the charge for 2006-2007 for a single person living in a “Band A” property is £642.65. 

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TV Licence

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Insurance

This will depend on your personal circumstances.  You will need to check whether your particular accommodation includes any insurance.  When renting an unfurnished property, it is usual for the landlord to hold buildings insurance and the tenant to arrange his or her own “contents” insurance.  If you need to arrange cover, there are many websites where you can compare insurance to help you obtain the best deal.

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Refuse Collection

Local authorities are responsible for providing refuse collection services, and household waste is usually collected on a weekly basis.  Refuse collectors leave black bin bags when they collect household waste.  In most parts of Herefordshire, refuse collectors also collect items such as paper, textiles, cans and plastic, and different bags are provided for this.  For more information on Herefordshire’s kerbside recycling please go to www.herefordshire.gov.uk/environment/rubbish_and_recycling/2296.asp.

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Child Care

The cost of a full-time nursery place or place with a Childminder for a child under the age of two is in the region of £120 per week.  The typical cost for an after school club is £45 for 15 hours a week.  The typical weekly cost of a place for a child in a summer play scheme is £75.84 a week.

(Source: 2005 Childcare Costs Survey and 2005 Holiday Costs survey by the Daycare Trust)

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Cost of Running a Car

The main costs involved in running a car are road tax, MOT, insurance and fuel.  Costs for tax and insurance vary greatly taking into account many different factors.  Unleaded petrol is approximately 86.9p a litre.  See the section on “Owning a Car”, or visit http://www.dvla.gov.uk/ or http://www.vosa.gov.uk/ for further information.

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Shopping (Groceries)

Typical supermarket grocery prices as at August 2006 were as follows:

(Source: Tesco Supermarkets)

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