MP says Scottish Power Manweb are obtaining money for unused electricity from bereaved relatives
Warrington North MP HELEN JONES has tabled a Commons Motion calling on Scottish power Manweb to initiate a more compassionate policy for dealing with bereaved relatives.
The MP personally experienced the way the company currently operate following a recent bereavement and is asking people to let her know about their experiences.
Scottish Power Manweb continue to forward quarterly bills to the relatives or executors of deceased persons even when it has been notified of a death and told that the property is empty. Their policy is then to send out quarterly bills based on the last known usage of the deceased person. They expect relatives to ring and argue against bills before they will take action.
HELEN JONES said:
“ I believe that Scottish Power Manweb’s policy is a blatant attempt to obtain money for electricity which has not been used. Relatives and executors are not obliged to pay for electricity which has not been used.
“ It took me three or four telephone calls arguing the case with various people before they accepted that no charge should be made when I faced this problem recently. I believe that many bereaved relatives, particularly the elderly, would simply pay the bill rather than going through the process of arguing with Scottish Power Manweb.
“ The company are securing what amounts to a free loan, which they are not entitled to, from relatives at a very distressing time.
“ I was told by one of their representatives that Scottish Power Manweb do not have a policy for dealing with bereaved relatives other than to demand money from them via th
