Ian its not about meters or not, its about the property is almost
identical
except for condition.
Another site states the ratable value of a property is based on a few
factors i.e size,bedrooms,condition (band A) so if his house is worth
£35000 and the house across the road is £40000 how the hell can they pay
£5
less in water rates than the person who's house is £5000 lower.?

You may recall that when they abolished the rates, they were considered
completely unfair, with loads of anomalies. Now add the fact that no changes
or appeals have been allowed since 1990, and they're not going to have got
any fairer.

As far as the water companies are concerned, if you want a fair system, then
you should ask for a meter. That, de facto, is the appeal procedure.

Christian.