§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what protection consumers have if a water authority refuses to change business water rates to domestic water rates, in cases where a business property has been changed to a home. [24037]
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§ Mr. AtkinsIt is for each water company to decide the basis of charging for water in its area. If the occupant considers that the latest rateable value is no longer appropriate, the occupant has the option of switching to a measured basis of charge. Alternatively, the water company may agree to charge on the basis of a domestic rateable value if such a value is available.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent water authorities are required to take account of changes since the last valuation of a property in calculating water rates; and what proposal he has to improve the situation. [24035]
§ Mr. AtkinsWhere water charges are based on rateable values, the latest available valuations are used by the water companies. Where the occupant considers the subsequent changes to the property render the latest valuation inappropriate, the occupant has the option of switching to a measured basis of charge.