§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he is making for the collection of revenue for the water and sewerage authorities in Scotland; what payment is to be made to any councils involved in collection; who will be300W responsible for pursuing those in arrears with payment; and if he will make a statement. [3494]
§ Mr. KynochThe collection of non-domestic and metered charges is a matter for the new water and sewerage authorities. With regard to domestic unmeasured water and sewerage charges, my right hon. Friend will require the unitary councils to bill and collect these on behalf of the new water and sewerage authorities in 1996–97. An order will be made under section 79 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 requiring this work to be done.
We are presently consulting local authorities, new water authorities and the Scottish Water and Sewerage Customers Council among others on the practical arrangements. These include proposals for calculating the amount the local authorities will be required to hand over to the new water and sewerage authorities and for payment to the local authorities for the work they will do. The consultation period expires on 31 December. I have arranged for copies of the consultation document to be placed in the Library of the House.
When local authorities are required to do this billing and collection work, the recovery of charges is a matter for them. Summary warrant powers will be available to them.