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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received regarding the implications of water metering for low-income households where there are (a) children, (b) elderly and (c) people with disabilities and illnesses that require them to take frequent baths. [124649] Mr. Mullin: The Government published "Water Industry Act 1999: Consultation on Regulations" on 12 October 1999, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Fifty-three responses were received relating to the proposals for assisting low-income households who pay by meter. Following that consultation, the Government laid the Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) Regulations 1999 on 22 December 1999, and made minor clarificatory amendments in the Water Industry (Charges) (Vulnerable Groups) (Amendment) Regulations 2000, which were laid on 3 March 2000. Both came into force on 1 April 2000. The Regulations offer assistance to low-income households with water meters, who might face hardship as a result of high water use for basic household purposes. To qualify for assistance, a member of the household must be entitled to received income related benefits or tax credits; and either be responsible for three or more children under the age of 16; have (or have a child with) a qualifying medical condition which requires significant extra use. The response to consultation is contained in "Water Industry Act 1999: Delivering the Government's Objectives" which was published on 3 February 2000. This also included a copy of the main Regulations. A copy is in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

124649; 351 c205W

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Disadvantaged Households Government assistance Low incomes Meters Water

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk