§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he 625W has to change the base of water rates calculated from the rateable values of its 1990 list to more recent valuations. [81486]
§ Mr. MealeRateable values ceased to be used for local government taxation purposes in 1990. Since then there has been no provision for amending or updating rateable values.
We have made clear that we are willing to consider alternatives to the present system of unmeasured charging for water and sewerage services. We shall work with water companies and other groups with an interest to consider proposals for new charging arrangements. Any alternative system would need to provide for fair charges and any transition should be planned to avoid significant advert effects on particular groups of customers.