Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 27 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 July 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Monday, 8 July 2002 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, what powers OFWAT has to control the level of charges for services provided by water and sewerage companies. - (Holding answer 3 July 2002).

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers Ofwat has to control the level of charges for services provided by water and sewerage companies. [66628] Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 3 July 2002]: The Director General of Water Services has powers to set price limits. Within its price limit, each company is responsible for deciding individual charges. Under the Water Industry Act 1999, companies must publish these charges annually in a charges scheme, for which they must obtain the Director General's approval. Companies are prohibited from charging household customers other than in accordance with an approved charges scheme.

Secondary information