§ 19. Mr. Delwyn Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to restrict the potential increases in water rates in Wales.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWith the co-operation of the Welsh water authority my right hon. Friend arranged for a team of independent accountants to review its accounts and to consider whether it was possible to reduce the proposed increase in charges for 1981–82. Following discussions under my chairmanship at the Welsh Office the authority has been able to announce that its overall revenue requirement will now rise by 10.8 per cent., instead of 14.4 per cent. Charges for water supply, sewerage and environmental services will go up by 13.4 per cent., instead of 17.8 per cent. Domestic bills will rise on average 14.8 per cent., instead of 20 per cent. The average increase for industrial and other metered consumers will be under 12¼ per cent., instead of the previously proposed 15 per cent.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give further consideration to a system of rebates for water charges to assist those on low incomes and similar to that applied in the rating of domestic properties.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsA similar proposal was negatived during the Committee stage of the Water Bill. We have no proposals for changing the present arrangements for assisting those on low incomes, who can obtain help in respect of water charges through supplementary benefit.