§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to provide financial assistance to rural local authorities for the collection of rates from water consumers after April [11584]
§ Mr. KynochMy right hon. Friend will make an order under section 79 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 to require local authorities to demand and recover domestic unmeasured water and sewerage charges on behalf of the new water and sewerage authorities. That order will contain provision for the level of administrative costs to be refunded to local authorities. Consultation has taken place with local authorities about the terms of the order.