HC Deb 15 June 1999 vol 333 c69W
Mr. McNulty

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what key performance targets have been set for the Water Service in 1999–2000. [87247]

Mr. Paul Murphy

For 1999–2000, the following key performance targets have been set for the Water Service:

  1. 1. To achieve 98.2 per cent. compliance with drinking water standards set in the Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994.
  2. 2. To achieve 75 per cent. compliance with the wastewater treatment works discharge standards set by the Environment and Heritage Service.
  3. 3. To ensure that fewer than 0.8 per cent. of properties experience unplanned interruptions to water supplies lasting greater than 12 hours.
  4. 4. To issue substantive replies to 90 per cent. of written complaints within 15 working days of receipt.
  5. 5. To deliver water at a unit cost of 67 pence per cubic metre.
  6. 6. To treat wastewater at a unit cost of 60 pence per cubic metre.
  7. 7. To maintain expenditure within cash limits and to approved budget plans.
  8. 8. To achieve efficiency gains of 3 per cent. on running costs expenditure.

The targets are included in the Water Service's 1999–2000 Business Plan, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.

These targets are subject to endorsement or amendment by local Ministers in the event of the Northern Ireland Assembly being established.