Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 19 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what he expects the earliest possible date for the introduction of household water metering to be; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what he expects the earliest possible date for the introduction of household water metering to be; and if he will make a statement. [193334] Mr. Spellar: On 13 September 2004, I announced my proposals for the basis upon which household water and sewerage charges will be set. The announcement made clear that the new charges would be phased in from 2006-07, or as soon as practicable thereafter. In my statement I acknowledged the strong preference for metering by those who had expressed an opinion in the 2003 consultation exercise. In recognition of this, and despite the fact that metering was ruled out by the Northern Ireland Executive in its 2002 consultation on rating policy, I am proposing to make provision for household metering once charges are fully phased in-- that is, the third year of charging. This will provide time to develop an approach to metering which promotes reduced consumption, is fair and affordable and which does not have unacceptable consequences for those on low incomes or vulnerable groups.

Secondary information