HC Deb 17 February 1976 vol 905 cc653-4W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what increases in charges are being imposed by the Severn-

Water Supply General Services
Authority Unmeasured average percentage increase over 1975–76 Measured average percentage increase over 1975–76 Charge average percentage increase over 1975–76
North West … … … 10.5 13.0 24.0
Northumbrian … … … 22.0 21.0 39.0
Severn Trent … … … 21.0 25.0 50.0
Yorkshire … … … 17.0 24.0 32.0
Anglian … … … 25.0 25.0 51.0
Thames … … … 18.8 19.4 39.0
Southern … … … 8.7 8.8 Nil
Wessex … … … 25.3 26.5 37.0
South West … … … 23.0 23.0 35.5
WNWDA … … … 12.5 12.0 21.5

In most cases a significant part of the increase in the general services charge is due to the cost of refunds under the Water Charges Bill. Other major factors are inflation and the cost of new capital expenditure in support of new housing and industrial development.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the proposed increase in charges for emptying septic tanks from properties not connected to sewers, to be imposed by the Severn-Trent Water Authority, amounting to 800 per cent. since local government reorganisation, is in accordance with the Government's counter-inflation policy.

Mr. Denis Howell

Charges raised by district councils for emptying septic tanks have in many cases been allowed in the past to fall far behind costs. By fixing them at realistic levels councils may help to avoid increases in rates.

Charges made by the water authority for disposing of the contents of the septic tanks at a sewage disposal works would of course form part of the costs incurred by district councils emptying the tanks.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average percentage increase in charges for emptying septic tanks from properties not con-

Trent Water Authority; how these compare with increases in other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on increased water charges.

Mr. Denis Howell

I understand that the latest estimated increases in charges which water authorities consider necessary to comply with their statutory duty to break even are as follows:

nected to sewers since the reorganisation of local government.

Mr. Denis Howell

I regret that this information is not available.