§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on charges for land drainage. [124141]
§ Mr. Nick Brown[holding answer 5 June 2000]: Within their districts, internal drainage boards require the payment of (a) drainage rates by occupiers of agricultural land (including buildings) and (b) special levies by local authorities in respect of developed areas and other non-agricultural land.
The income from the general drainage charge contributes to the costs of the Agency's flood defence functions in the area concerned.
The Environment Agency charges a fee of £50 to persons applying for land drainage consents under section 109 of the Water Resources Act 1991, the sum being prescribed under section 110 of that Act.