A PERSISTENT pensioner has put the spotlight on a little-known water bill clause which could result in a flood of rebate claims from Basingstoke residents.

Jeffrey Morgans managed to get a £15.50 rebate out of Thames Water because the rainwater from his roof, and surface water from his garden, goes into a soakaway or water-butts rather than his drains.

Mr Morgans believes his successful fight for a rebate means the company - which serves tens of thousands of homes in the Basingstoke area - could face a deluge of claims as other people demand money back.

The water company has revealed it is now in talks with watchdog body OFWAT to see if there is a way of helping people get a rebate without having to apply for one, as is the case at present.

Mr Morgans, a 65-year-old retired safety manager, said: "I got a £15.50 rebate from Thames Water after a prolonged battle.

"If your surface water and roof rainwater doesn't go into the sewer, you are entitled to a lower standing charge. It saves you £15.50 each year - but you have to ask the company for it."

Mr Morgans, who lives in Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, said the information about the lower payment, if the water firm does not handle the surface water, is on the back of everyone's water bill.

"But no-one ever sees that," he said. "I rang three times and asked for a rebate form but they didn't send one.

"I subsequently found the address of the chief executive of Thames Water and wrote and told him he was in breach of his statutory duty. Then the form turned up and I got my rebate.

"But I still kept going, asking for rebates for previous years I had paid.

"Eventually they sent me a total of £110, although it was not for rebates because they only have to give you the money for the year you apply, not any earlier years. Most of the money was for failing to deal with my letters or inquiries."

Mr Morgans added: "I was happy just getting what was due to me in the first place and I sent the extra £110 to the A Place for Us Christmas campaign in aid of May Place House hostel for the homeless.

"I would advise anyone in Basingstoke whose water goes down a soakaway, and not down the drains, to ask for a rebate."

A spokesman for Thames Water told The Gazette: "This is no secret. It is on everyone's bill. Anyone can apply for a rebate.

"We cannot really say how many houses are likely to be connected to the sewerage system for surface water so we cannot say how many people are due a rebate - we have to wait for them to apply individually.

"In the Cliddesden Road area, for example, there is a surface water sewer so it is very likely that some of the properties will be connected to it."

The spokesman added: "This matter is something we are currently discussing with OFWAT to see if there is a way of giving people rebates without them coming to us."