Direct access to our
services :

Utilities

If the relocation company does not provide the services for their connection, you will have to do the following:

a)Electricity

When you move into a property, you will have to find out who your provider is. You will inform the appropriate board by calling or writing to them, in order to transfer the services into your name.
Electricity is mainly metered, and the meter is read either by the electricity board or by yourself.
Billing is quarterly and bills can either be paid at the post office, bank, cheque or by direct debit.

b)Gas

Gas services have to be in the name of the tenant or occupier.
Gas is metered, and the meter will be read by the Board or the agent before you move into the property.
Bills are quarterly, and you can pay by cheque, at the bank, post office, or by direct debit.

Most properties have gas fired central heating, and the boiler is located inside the flat/house.

c)Water

Although many properties still have water rates, the newer ones have water meters installed.
Again, water services have to be in your name. Where there are meters, the appropriate regional water authority will read them. Billing is quarterly.
All water in the UK is safe to drink. However, since drinking water comes from the mains, it is normally available in the kitchen. The rest of the water comes from storage tanks, and it is safer not to drink from other taps.
Water pressure can be low for showers and many people fit a pump to improve pressure.

d)Council tax

It is a local tax set by local Councils to help pay for local services.
It varies according to the local authority and value of your property, and it is rated by "band".
When you move into a property, payment of the council tax is your responsibility, and you will have to notify the Council.
A 25% discount is given for sole occupants.

e)Television

You need a TV licence to install or use any equipment to receive television programme services, including a television, video recorder or satellite receiver, computer with TV reception.
You can pay for your TV licence at any post office. Together with the required fee, you will need to fill in a form, which will be stamped by the post office clerk. A validated licence is the proof that you have paid.
The following year, you will receive a reminder that payment is due, one month before you licence runs out.

(Information regarding the TV licence - tel: 0990 763 763)

With your TV licence, there are 5 channels available: BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Cable may also be available in your area. To find out which company services your area, you should call the Cable Communication Association - tel: 020 7222 2900

Satellite: you can either purchase or rent a satellite dish in order to receive satellite television.
For information about a subscription plan for channels as CNN, MTV and SKY, you can contact British Sky Broadcasting - tel: 020 7705 3000

Telephone

The national telephone service is called British Telecom (BT). However, in many areas you can have your telephone through a cable company.

Before moving into a new home, check whether there is a telephone line and that the number of lines or telephone points is adequate.
If you move into an old house or apartment (where you are not the first residents) a telephone line will almost certainly already be installed. You will just need to have it put in your name. However, if the line hasn't been in use for some time, BT might have to send a technician to have it checked, and you'll need to make an appointment for that.
If you're moving into a house or apartment without a phone line, you must apply to BT or the Cable Company for a line to be installed.

When you are a BT customer for the first time, you will be given a call level of approximately £100. Once this level has been reached, BT will inform you.
If your property doesn't come with a phone, you can either rent or purchase one from BT. Telephones, faxes, answerphones, etc. can be purchased not only from BT shops, but also from specialised communication shops or department stores.

Telephone bills are sent out quarterly, and state the units phoned, the line rental charge and a list of the calls made (when bills are itemised)

Telephone boxes accept money, or telephone cards (these cards can be purchased from post offices & some shops), or credit cards.

Using the phone:

When dialling a number within your own exchange area, dial the number only, without the area code.
For dialling nationally (long distance calls) use the area codes (starting with 0).
For international calls, dial 00 - country code - area code (leave out 0) - number

Mobile phones

There are many providers to choose from with possibilities of national use, GSM or world-wide use.

Service numbers :

• 150 BT enquiries
  
• 151 BT fault repair service
  
• 142 London directory enquiries
  
• 153 International directory
  

Alternative telecommunication operators offering low rates for national and international calls are widely available.
There is no charge to join and it can be combined with your main telephone provider.