§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what audit control exists to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of water authorities.
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§ Mr. John PattenWater authorities report to me, in their audited annual accounts, performance against three controls set by Government. These are (i) the financial target specified in the annual Water Authorities (Return on Assets) Order; (ii) a target performance aim for operating costs, excluding depreciation; (iii) their external financing limit. In addition, auditors undertake value-for-money studies as a routine part of their work.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the comparative average charges to non-metered consumers in each water authority area.
§ Mr. John PattenMy officials receive from each regional water authority a detailed return of their charges for water supply, sewerage and environmental services. Returns for 1986–87 indicate that average household bills for water, sewerage and environmental services are as follows:
£ Anglian 116.69 Northumbrian 84.34 North West 85.19 Severn Trent 83.55 Southern 99.58 South-West 110.90 Thames 83.09 Wessex 107.09 Yorkshire 90.96