Score of 94.57/100 qualifies for PaymentCheck Certification
UNITED UTILITIES WATER LIMITED exhibits a strong trend of prompt payments, evidenced by an exceptionally fast average payment time of just 13 days. A significant 91% of their invoices are consistently settled within 30 days, indicating a reliable and rapid payment trajectory for suppliers.
Payment reliability is high, with the vast majority of invoices (91%) paid within 30 days, demonstrating strong predictability in their payment behavior. A minor degree of volatility exists, as 9% of payments are late, comprising 7% settled between 31-60 days and 2% exceeding 60 days. Despite this, the overall low late payment rate suggests minimal inherent risk factors.
UNITED UTILITIES WATER LIMITED poses a very low payment risk for suppliers, driven by their consistently fast average payment time and high percentage of on-time settlements. Suppliers can confidently expect favorable cash flow from this customer, making them an attractive partner. While a small fraction of payments are late, this does not warrant significant risk mitigation beyond standard terms and conditions.
| Reporting Period | Filing Date | Average Time to Pay (days) | Paid within 30 days | Paid 31-60 days | Paid after 60 days | Not Paid within Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Oct 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 | 01 May 2026 | 14 | 92% | 6% | 2% | 4% |
| 01 Apr 2025 - 30 Sept 2025 | 31 Oct 2025 | 13 | 91% | 7% | 2% | 9% |
| 01 Oct 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 | 29 Apr 2025 | 12 | 91% | 8% | 1% | 7% |
| 01 Apr 2024 - 30 Sept 2024 | 22 Oct 2024 | 11 | 92% | 7% | 1% | 7% |
| 01 Oct 2023 - 31 Mar 2024 | 18 Apr 2024 | 11 | 92% | 7% | 1% | 4% |
| 01 Apr 2023 - 30 Sept 2023 | 19 Oct 2023 | 11 | 92% | 7% | 1% | 3% |
| 01 Oct 2022 - 31 Mar 2023 | 26 Apr 2023 | 11 | 93% | 6% | 1% | 5% |
| 01 Apr 2022 - 30 Sept 2022 | 31 Oct 2022 | 12 | 93% | 6% | 1% | 5% |
| 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2022 | 28 Apr 2022 | 13 | 94% | 5% | 1% | 5% |
| 01 Apr 2021 - 30 Sept 2021 | 21 Oct 2021 | 13 | 93% | 7% | 0% | 4% |
| 01 Oct 2020 - 31 Mar 2021 | 29 Apr 2021 | 13 | 93% | 7% | 0% | 3% |
| 01 Apr 2020 - 30 Sept 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | 13 | 92% | 8% | 0% | 3% |
| 01 Oct 2019 - 31 Mar 2020 | 22 Apr 2020 | 14 | 92% | 7% | 1% | 3% |
| 01 Apr 2019 - 30 Sept 2019 | 28 Oct 2019 | 16 | 87% | 13% | 0% | 3% |
| 01 Oct 2018 - 31 Mar 2019 | 29 Apr 2019 | 24 | 70% | 30% | 0% | 2% |
| 01 Apr 2018 - 30 Sept 2018 | 25 Oct 2018 | 25 | 63% | 37% | 0% | 2% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Several standard payment terms apply depending on the nature of the goods, services or works supplied and are agreed with suppliers as part of contract negotiations. The most common payment terms for invoices paid in the period are end of month following month of invoice and 14, 28 and 30 days.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
no
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
60
In the first instance, issues with any payments are referred to the Commercial / Purchasing Team who process the invoices and payments. If the issue cannot be remedied, each contract has an escalation process for all disputes, including payment,
Has this business signed up to a code of conduct or standards on payment practices?
For example, signatories to The Prompt Payment Code must commit to paying 95% of their invoices within 60 days.
❌
Does this business offer e-invoicing in relation to qualifying contracts?
This is where suppliers can electronically submit and track invoices. It's not just allowing suppliers to email them an invoice.
❌
Does this business offer supply chain finance?
This is where a supplier who has submitted an invoice can be paid by a third-party finance provider earlier than the agreed payment date. The business would then pay the finance provider the invoiced sum.
❌
Under its payment practices and policies, can this business deduct sums from payments under qualifying contracts as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
❌
During the reporting period, did the business deduct sums from payments as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
No information available
United Utilities Water Limited is a water and wastewater services company operating in the North West of England. Its own site states that it provides water and wastewater services across the region, covering areas including Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. Services include billing and account management, meter readings, leak reporting, and support for customers moving home or needing payment assistance. The company describes ongoing investment to upgrade pipes and treatment works, reduce storm overflows and leakage, and improve water quality and river health. Its registered activity is classified as water collection, treatment and supply, consistent with its role as a regional water and wastewater utility rather than a wider corporate group holding entity.
Generated from the company's website and Companies House records. Sources: unitedutilities.com