§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the hardship caused to pensioner one-person households who are unable to have water meters installed due to technical difficulties but are not entitled to rebates on their water rates; and if he will make a statement. [14097]
§ Angela EagleThe Government are undertaking a review of the water charging system in England and Wales to ensure that it operates in a fair and equitable way. We have made clear our opposition to compulsory metering for essential household use under current arrangements, but we shall be looking at metering policy including the availability of meters to customers who wish482W to pay on a measured basis. The review will pay particular attention to the effect of present charging methods on special cases such as large households, single persons and low income households including pensioners.