§ Mr. RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the levels of disconnections by Welsh Water; and if he will encourage those water companies that do not have them to establish charitable or hardship funds. [62250]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesSince the privatisation of the water industry in 1989, there has been a general decline in the number of water supply disconnections made by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. In 1991–92 the number of household disconnections was 2,938 as compared to 160 in 1997–98.
The issue of disconnection formed part of the Government's recent review of the water charging system in England and Wales which proposed the prohibition of the disconnection of household water supplies for non-payment of charges. The Government have decided to proceed with this proposal. Clause 1 of the Water Industry Bill, which will have its Second Reading in the House on Monday 7 December, provides for this prohibition through an amendment to section 61 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
The development of charitable trusts by water companies is strongly supported by the Government as they provide invaluable support to customers in genuine need. The Government will continue to encourage action by companies to assist those customers who experience difficulties in paying their charges, not only through charitable trusts, but also through the design of tariffs and through helping customers reduce their bills and economise on water use.