Written question asked by Jamie Reed (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 April 2011. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 April 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water Charges: Government Assistance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 4 April 2011, Official Report, column 581W, on water charges: South West, what options for additional Government spending to provide further support for water customers in the South West her Department is considering; if she will publish details of each option; what discussions she has had with Ofwat on such options; if she will make it her policy to limit the financial support offered; if she will assess the effect of the proposal on other water customers in England; whether she is considering similar schemes for other regions of England; what timetable she has set for the (a) introduction and (b) duration of the scheme; and whether water companies will be expected to contribute to the cost of the scheme.

Answer: The Government published their consultation on water affordability on 5 April. This an be accessed online at:"www.defra.gov.uk/consult/water-affordability-1104/"and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.The consultation paper sets out options to assist all households in the South West (to reflect the unique circumstances of South West Water at the time of privatisation), and options to assist households with water affordability problems in the south-west and elsewhere, it takes account of advice prepared by Ofwat on tackling high water bills in the south-west.The options set out in the consultation paper to assist household customers of South West Water will have no impact on other water companies, or on the water bills of other companies' customers. Additional support will be provided through public expenditure. The extent, magnitude and duration of that support will depend on practicality and affordability, and on the responses received to the consultation.The Government will set out their policy proposals in their Water White Paper in the autumn.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 52241; 527 c27W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Water Charges: South West
Monday, 4 April 2011
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Water charges South West
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk