And so it goes on - the excuses by Thames Water, and the promises made by Environment Minister Ian Pearson to take the case of over-charging for water to Ofwat.

In spite of MP Andrew Smith's hard work and concern for his constituents (Oxford Mail, May 2007) and fighting for a rebate, we all have our bills for 2008-09 with yet another increase.

My bill is £319.45 for a one-bedroom flat where I have lived for 25 years.

The statement made by the Thames Water spokesman that the high charges were due to pensioners not returning a survey is nonsense.

Some were even returned by recorded delivery.

I made a request for a form by recorded delivery and have just been ignored.

If our MPs can't fight the case for us, to whom do we turn next?

M Atkinson (Mrs), Remy Place, Iffley, Oxford