§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the approximate average amount per household per annum paid for water by way of rates in 1950, 1960, 1970 and 1976; and how those figures compare with the average current demands for 1978.
§ Mr. Denis HowellFigures for the years 1950, 1960 and 1970 are not available. The average domestic water supply bill rendered by water authorities for the year 1976–77 was about £15.80, and the estimated average bill for 1978–79 is about £19. This represents an increase of about 20 per cent. over the two years.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of protests that water rates take no account of individual consumption or the ability to pay, he will propose an amended system in order to assist the lowest paid, the pensioners and those who have a below-average household water consumption.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe present system of basing domestic charges primarily on rateable values is well established and relatively simple, and water service charges are, of course, taken into account in assessing supplementary benefit. Charging policy is kept under review between the Government and the water industry, but I have very considerable doubts about attempting to evolve a charging policy to take account of both consumption and 551W ability to pay, as the hon. Member appears to suggest.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many water authorities now bill their consumers separately from local council authorities; and what is his policy to-wards such a practice.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe information is as follows
Full billing of all services (water, sewerage and environmental services):
- North West Water Authority.
- Northumbrian Water Authority.
- Thames Water Authority.
Partial billing of all services:
- Severn Trent Water Authority.
- Welsh Water Authority.
Full billing of water supply only:South West Water Authority.Partial billing of water supply only:Anglian Water Authority.It is for each water authority, as one of its normal management functions, to decide whether or not to bill consumers direct. I have, however, strongly advised the authorities that they should not extend direct billing without paying close attention to the overriding need to avoid a significant increase in overall public expenditure.