ÿþ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <title>Amber Initiatives</title> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="Amber Initiatives provides practical support for migrant workers in the UK and for those planning to come" name=description> <META content="Amber Initiatives, public utilities, services for home, water, water for drinking, water for washing, UK, water rate, used water, washing, drinking, removal of used water, companies, supply of water, new property, occupier, name of company, removing water, cost, payment, equal instalments, monthly payment, size of property, meter, water company, water meter, housing benefit, property in UK, electricity, cooking, gas, providing heating, hot water, electricity meter, gas meter, problem with electricity, helpline, yellow pages, phone book, household in britain, to buy gas, to buy electricity, get advice, telephone, home in britain, telephone land line, mobile service, mobile telephone service, telephone provider, pricing, scheme, to read terms, phone card, newsagent, convenience stores, post office, savings, international call, public payphones, cash, phone card, credit card, debit card, call charges, private accomodation, emergency calls, call for police, ambulance, gas bill, water bill, reinstall, amber, utilities " name=keywords> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1106" name=GENERATOR> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="style.css"> </head> <body leftmargin=0 topmargin=0 marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" height="100%"> <tr valign="top"> <td width="50%" background="img/bg.gif"><img src="img/px1.gif" width="1" height="1" alt="" border="0"></td> <td valign="bottom" background="img/bg_left.gif"><img src="img/bg_left.gif" alt="" width="17" height="16" border="0"></td> <td bgcolor="#95A2AB"> <table width="780" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td><img src="img/logo.jpg" width="790" height="105"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td background="img/fon03.gif"> <div class="left"><A href="index-eng.html">Home</A> | <A class=left href="about-eng.html"><B>About us</A>| <A class=left href="project-eng.html"><B>Projects</A></B> | &nbsp; </DIV> </td> </tr> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tr> <td height="14" background="img/fon01.gif"></td> </tr> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="700"> <tr bgcolor="#EAE4D3" valign="top"> <td align="center" width="75%" background="CCFF99"> <br> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="541"> <tr> <td><img src="img/t11.gif" width="10" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"><img src="img/t12.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="164" height="22"> <tr> <td background="img/t_top.gif"><p class="title01">Public Utilities</p></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t13.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t14.gif" width="9" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t21.gif" width="10" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> <td colspan="3" rowspan="2" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <p class="left"><img src="img/dot_g.gif" width="5" height="5" alt="" border="0" align="middle"> <U><B><FONT color=#006f7f>Services in and for the home</FONT></B></U> <P> <B> Water</B> <P> Water for drinking and washing is supplied to all homes throughout the UK. There is a charge (know as the water rate) for both this and the removal of used water. Sometimes different companies carry out the supply and removal of water. <P> When you move in to a new property  whether bought or rented  you should receive a letter addressed to The Occupier, giving the name of the company supplying and removing water, the cost, and ways in which you can pay. <P> Payment is normally made in one lump sum for the year, or in two equal instalments, or by ten monthly payments. The amount that you pay for water normally depends on the size of your property, although many homes have a meter measuring exactly how much water is used. Some water companies give you the option of having a water meter installed. <P> If you get housing benefit to help you pay the rent you may find that the benefit also covers your water rates. However, it doesn t always do this, and you may have to pay the water rates for yourself. <P> <B> Electricity and gas</B> <p> All properties in the UK have electricity supplied 240 volts. Most, but not all, homes are also supplied with gas, which is used for cooking and providing heating and hot water. As soon as you move into a flat or house, it is important to make a note of the electricity and gas meter readings. (Also do the same when you leave.) <P>If you have a problem with your electricity, gas, or water supplies that needs dealing with immediately, you can ring a 24-hours helpline. Again details are in the Yellow Pages and the phone book, under electricity, gas, or water. <P>Helpline numbers : electricity <FONT color=#006f7f><B>0800 365 900 </B></FONT>, gas<FONT color=#006f7f><B> 0800 111999</B></Font> , water<FONT color=#006f7f><B> 0800 169 1144</B></Font> . <P> Household in Britain today can choose from different companies to buy their gas and electricity. The terms and conditions of supply vary, and can be hard to understand. Get advice before signing anything. <P><STRONG> <U>Telephone </U> </STRONG> <p> Today almost all homes in Britain are fitted with a telephone land line. <P> A large number of companies offer land line and mobile telephone services, and it is usually not difficult to change one telephone provider to another. The pricing schemes for most rival telephone services tend to be quite complicated. It is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully, to check whether the service offered is what you really want. <P> Prepaid phone cards are widely available throughout the UK from newsagents, convenience stores, and post offices. They offer large savings, particularly for international calls. <P> Calls can be made from public payphones using cash, phone cards, or credit or debit cards. Call charges on payphones in hotels and private accommodation tend to be high. <P>Emergency calls for police, fire or an ambulance are free by dialling <FONT color=#006f7f><B> <U> 999,</U></B></FONT> or on mobiles either <FONT color=#006f7f> <U><B>999 or 112</B></U></FONT>. <P><STRONG> <U>The Bills</U> </STRONG> <P> Failure to pay a gas, water, telephone, or electricity bill can result in the service being cut off. <BR> A further charge is made when it is reinstalled. </FONT> </STRONG> </td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t24.gif" width="9" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t31.gif" width="10" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t34.gif" width="9" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="img/t41.gif" width="10" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/t42.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/fon_bot.gif" width="31" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t43.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t44.gif" width="9" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> </table> <br> </td> <td align="center" width="25%" background="CCFF99"> <br> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width=230> <tr> <td><img src="img/t11.gif" width="10" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"><img src="img/t12.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100" height="22"> <tr> <td background="img/t_top.gif"><p class="title01">E-FORM</p></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t13.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t14.gif" width="9" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t21.gif" width="10" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> <td colspan="3" rowspan="2" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <p class="left"><img src="img/dot_g.gif" width="5" height="5" alt="" border="0" align="middle">&nbsp;&nbsp; Need further information or clarification? <P> Send us a message <P><BR> <p class="left"><a href="form-eng.html">Enter</a><IMG align="center" height=64 src="img/e-mail.gif" width=64 border=0></p> </td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t24.gif" width="9" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t31.gif" width="10" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t34.gif" width="9" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="img/t41.gif" width="10" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/t42.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/fon_bot.gif" width="31" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t43.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t44.gif" width="9" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> </table> <P> <P> <P> <P> <P> <P> <P> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="241"> <tr> <td><img src="img/t11.gif" width="10" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"><img src="img/t12.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="164" height="22"> <tr> <td background="img/t_top.gif"><p class="title01">HELPLINE</p></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t13.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t14.gif" width="9" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t21.gif" width="10" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> <td colspan="3" rowspan="2" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <p class="left"><img src="img/dot_g.gif" width="5" height="5" alt="" border="0" align="middle">&nbsp;&nbsp; Providing advice and assistance to Migrant Workers. <BR> Open to All <P><BR>National and International call rates apply <p class="left"><a href="tel-eng.html">Information</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="tel-eng.html"><IMG height=51 src="img/telephone4.jpg" width=62 border=0></a></p> </td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t24.gif" width="9" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t31.gif" width="10" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t34.gif" width="9" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="img/t41.gif" width="10" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/t42.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/fon_bot.gif" width="31" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t43.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t44.gif" width="9" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> </table> <P><P><P><P><P><P> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td><img src="img/t11.gif" width="10" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"><img src="img/t12.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="164" height="22"> <tr> <td background="img/t_top.gif"><p class="title01">FORUM</p></td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="img/fon_top.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t13.gif" width="29" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t14.gif" width="9" height="22" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t21.gif" width="10" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> <td colspan="3" rowspan="2" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="390"> <table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr valign="top"> <td> </td> <td> <p><BR> <p class="left"><img src="img/dot_g.gif" width="5" height="5" alt="" border="0" align="middle"> &nbsp;&nbsp; <STRONG> This is a discussion forum for those working, or planning to work in the UK. </FONT> </STRONG><A href="http://www.amber-initiatives.com/forum/index.php"> </A> </p> <p class="left"><a target=_blank href="http://www.amber-initiatives.com/forum/index.php">Join the discussion!</a></p> </p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t24.gif" width="9" height="133" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr valign="bottom"> <td background="img/fon_left.gif"><img src="img/t31.gif" width="10" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_right.gif"><img src="img/t34.gif" width="9" height="7" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="img/t41.gif" width="10" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/t42.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif"><img src="img/fon_bot.gif" width="31" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td background="img/fon_bot.gif" align="right"><img src="img/t43.gif" width="29" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> <td><img src="img/t44.gif" width="9" height="15" alt="" border="0"></td> </tr> </table> <br> </td> </tr> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tr> <td height="62" background="images/fon02.gif"><p>Copyright &copy;2003 CompanyName.com</p></td> <td background="images/fon02.gif"> <p class="menu02"> <a href="index-eng.html">Home</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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