Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Monday, 14 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 March 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 17 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she proposes to introduce changes to the system of using rateable values as the basis for domestic water charges. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she proposes to introduce changes to the system of using rateable values as the basis for domestic water charges. [222460] Mr. Morley: We have no present plans to require water companies to abandon rateable values as the basis of their unmeasured charges. Rateable values are outdated, and we are open to proposals for better systems, but any change would have to address the issue of winners and losers. We will update the existing analysis in the light of the Lyons inquiry and any consequential changes to council tax.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c363W;432 c361W; 222460
Session: 2004-05
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Fees and charges Households Rates and rating Water charges Water supply Reform Valuation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk