HL Deb 30 January 1975 vol 356 cc644-5WA
The Earl of DUNDONALD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) Why the cost of preventing pollution in rivers, the disposal of surface drainage, and connected matters should not be charged either to the general rate or the water rate, to be paid by all ratepayers, who would then know precisely what these costs are;
  2. (b) if these costs are separated, for what services would the ratepayer, not connected to main drainage, be paying a sewerage charge.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)

The Regional Water Authorities established by the Water Act 1973 are responsible for all aspects of water and sewerage services; these matters are now quite separate from local government. Water authorities make two distinct charges to domestic properties: one for water and one for general services, which covers sewerage and sewage disposal, pollution control, surface water drainage and recreation and amenity. As a transitional arrangement it has been necessary for local authorities to act as agents in collecting these charges along with the general rates. They are however separately identified on the rates demand form.

In this new situation, it is clearly anomalous that properties not connected to mains drainage should pay the full general services charge. Her Majesty's Government have therefore announced that domestic properties not so connected will pay only 50 per cent. of this charge next year.