§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department has completed consultations with the water industries on deductions from benefit for payment of water charges.
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§ Miss WiddecombeThe Department and the water industries have now agreed a joint statement of intent, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. It confirms the existing arrangements whereby deductions from benefit may be made to meet water charges and so prevent disconnection of supply or court action, in the same way as already operates satisfactorily with fuel debts. This new administrative framework will come into operation on 1 January 1991.