HC Deb 25 May 2004 vol 421 cc1502-4W
Richard Ottaway

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of pensioners who would reduce their water bills if they switched to a metered supply. [172781]

Mr. Morley

Research was undertaken by Maxwell Stamp consultancy for the Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions and published in July 1998 ("Incidence Effects of Charging for Domestic Water and Sewerage Services").

This research showed that, using the standing charges and volumetric charges at that time, 55 per cent. of pensioners would pay less on measured charges, but 45 per cent. would pay more.

The existence and extent of savings depends on both the quantity of water used and on the alternative unmeasured basis of charging from which the household might change.

The research informed the Government's decision to introduce the free meter option, which has been of benefit, especially to those in small properties and making least use of water services.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of pensioners who would reduce their water bills if they switched to a metered supply in(a) Lancashire and (b) Chorley. [173856]

Mr. Morley

Research was undertaken by Maxwell Stamp consultancy for the Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions and published in July 1998 ("Incidence Effects of Charging for Domestic Water and Sewerage Services").

This research showed that, using the standing charges and volumetric charges at that time, 55 per cent. of pensioners in England and Wales would pay less on measured charges, but 45 per cent. would pay more.

Information broken down by county or town is not available.

The existence and extent of savings depends on both the quantity of water used and on the alternative unmeasured basis of charging from which the household might change.

The research informed the Government's decision to introduce the free meter option, which has been of benefit, especially to those in small properties and making least use of water services.