Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 February 2007. It was answered by David Cairns (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 March 2007 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Water: Meters

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of existing domestic properties in Northern Ireland will be able to volunteer to have a water meter installed from April 2007 rather than pay the unmetered rate.

Answer: From April 2007 Northern Ireland Water will begin a managed long-term transition to widespread domestic metering. Meters will be installed in all new properties and first time connections and metering will be available to pensioner households who apply. For the purposes of this provision pensioner households includes those where the householder is aged 60 or over. It is estimated that such households account for around 30 per cent. of existing domestic properties.This policy is due to be reviewed within two years.

Secondary information