23/12/09
In her review of water charging Anna Walker emphasises the need for fairness – previous story. Among her principles is that the polluter should pay for improvements and there should be incentives to reduce pollution.
Where such improvements relate to the quality of water supplied and sewage disposed of, the review concludes that water customers, as beneficiaries, have to pay.
But Ms Walker is also clear that water customers should not pay for diffuse pollution "such as that from farming or from a number of sources in built-up areas".
Furthermore, according to the same principles, the Walker review argues that government should consult customers more fully before agreeing to further pricey environmental improvements; there are choices to be made "which are particularly important if the water customer is to continue paying for them".
River Basin Management Plans prepared under the Water Framework Directive should be the basis for managing diffuse water pollution, including who pays for what.
Unfortunately, the 2010-15 plans, published this week, effectively maintain the status quo. Those responsible for overseeing implementation of these plans (and preparing future plans) should note the advice of a respected external reviewer.
