HC Deb 17 February 1997 vol 290 cc439-40W
Mr. Stewart

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will grant relief to domestic customers in respect of sewerage charges in 1997–98. [166071

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Yes. I have set aside £59.7 million for this purpose. This sum represents a saving to an average band D household of around £36 in 1997–98. This relief, first introduced in 1996, is a transitional arrangement which will be phased out by April 1999. We shall pay grant to water authorities to compensate for the charge income they will forgo in 1997–98. Of this, £18.2 million will be available to the East authority, £14.9 million to the North authority and £26.6 million to the West authority. The necessary order is being laid before Parliament.