§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress his Department has made with regard to future policy for water charges; and if he will make a statement. [28683]
§ Angela EagleThe Government are reviewing the system of charging for water and sewerage services and will make proposals on water charging in a consultation paper to be issued shortly.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate his Department has made of the number of domestic water consumers(a) who have chosen to have water meters installed and (b) who now live in properties with water meters where there is no rateable value. [28682]
§ Angela Eagle(a) The Office of Water Services reports that between 1990–91 and 1996–97 inclusive, 500,453 household customers in England and Wales opted to have 457W water meters installed. Figures for earlier years do not identify whether meters were installed at the customer's request.
(b) No separate figures are kept for the number of metered households in properties with no rateable value.
§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce an obligation on water companies to provide a free meter installation service for customers. [28721]
§ Angela EagleMost water companies already provide free meter installation in some or all circumstances for household customers on request. The installation and use of meters is being considered as part of the Government's review of the system of charging for water and sewerage services. We shall make proposals on water charging in a consultation paper to be issued shortly.