Cancelling the gas & elec advise please

[**streety**]

Today I started making enquires about cancelling gas etc.  When I phoned to tell them I was moving and would no longer require their service, they asked when I was handing over the keys.

As I haven't sold it, and haven't a confirmed tennant, I said that I wouldn't be handing over the keys as yet.

They said that they couldn't stop the service, just suspend it and charge a daily service charge.

Will that be the same as the water company and BT?  It's not a huge charge but, a pain non the less.
I will also have to remember to read the meters every 3 months, which isn't a problem.

[huggles1253]

They all need paying to some degree, including council tax, even if the property is empty. Some councils will give you a discount as a second home or sometimes a free period of eg 6 months if it is left unfurnished. All the others have standing charges including the land line if you have one. Until someone else takes over the property legally, either on completion or on a tenancy, you have too pay.

[**streety**]

Ok Thanks, I didn't know that it applied to council tax. 

When Mum moved into the carehome, we cancelled the council tax and only paid again once it was occupied.

[huggles1253]

You must have a generous council. Ours give six months if the property is left totally unfurnished and that's it.

[**streety**]

Her house was left fully furnished and we just cancelled it and nothing was said.

[**streety**]

Can you not just cancel the land line then?   What if you dont want a land line anymore?

[duck_a_lorange]

Nothing at all to stop you cancelling the land line.