§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what he estimates to be the total refund to domestic ratepayers under the proposals of the Water Charges Bill.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI understand from estimates provided by the water authorities that about one third of the total amount to be refunded would be to domestic properties. The figure would310W in the Official Report the needs allowances for rent rebates and allowances for a childless couple, and for a one, two and four child family as a percentage of (a) gross and (b) net average industrial earnings for each year since 1972.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe information, which is given for the months in which the needs allowances changed, is as follows:
therefore be some £20 million, but would be reduced by approximately £6 million to take account of special rating relief paid in 1974–75.
§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the percentage increases in each water authority's general services charge in 1976–7 as a result of the proposals in the Water Charges Bill.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI understand that the water authorities' estimates of the percentage increases in general services charges as a result of refunds are as follows:
311W
per cent. North-West … … … 14 Northumbrian … … … 26 Severn-Trent … … … 28 Yorkshire … … … 15.4 Anglian … … … 31 Thames … … … 20 Southern … … … 0 Wessex … … … 28 South-West … … … 32.4 WNWDA … … … 21.5
§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the proportion of water authority expenditure in 1974–75, 1975–76 and 1976–77, respectively, which relates to services other than sewerage services to hereditaments connected to the public sewers.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on Wednesday, 25th February 1976.