§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to include powers in the Water Bill to allow charges to be made recovering the cost of providing extra capacity to meet demands from newly connected properties.
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§ Mr. HowardI have considered evidence provided to me about the operation of the existing arrangements. I have concluded that a right to charge at the time new connections are made to water mains and public sewers will provide a clearer, fairer and more certain basis for ensuring infrastructure is provided. The necessary amendments to the Water Bill are therefore being tabled. Conditions of appointment of the water and sewerage companies will place a ceiling on the level of charge that can be made, related to the investment costs of the companies