HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 c152W
Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with Ofwat and United Utilities about the decision to allow an increase in water and sewerage charges for the remaining year of the current price review period by more than the amount originally set by the regulator; and if she will review the safeguards in place to protect low income households. [154486]

Mr. Morley

[holding answer 12 February 2004]: Price limits for water companies are set or modified independently by the Director General of Water Services. The Director General and United Utilities have kept me informed of this interim price determination that revises price limits for the charging year beginning on 1 April 2004.

I am considering the responses to the consultation on revisions to the Vulnerable Groups Regulations that provide protection to vulnerable metered households.