HL Deb 09 January 1996 vol 568 c7WA
Lord Sefton of Garston

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether water authorities are required by law to discontinue charging on rateable value by the year 2000 for all customers, and if so by what statute or regulation.

Earl Ferrers

Under Section 145 of the Water Industry Act 1991, water companies are prohibited from using rateable values as a basis of charging for water beyond 31 March 2000. However, on 4 April 1994, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced that the legislation would be amended, at a suitable opportunity, to enable companies to continue the use of rateable values after that date.