06/08/08
Water UK is pleased that Defra has now released details of its long-awaited review of household charging and metering which is to be independently chaired by Anna Walker, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission.
This review is a constituent of Future Water, the government's water strategy for England (announced in February) and with the Cave Review of water competition is welcome evidence that ministers are making progress with implementing the strategy.
The review has been given wide-ranging terms of reference covering, in addition to metering and charging, recovery of debt and protection of vulnerable customers. The industry supports its emphasis on fairness, water efficiency and sustainability.
Water charging needs sorting out. Many customers still pay on the basis of the rateable value of their homes, while increasing numbers of properties are now being metered. It is timely to investigate the relevance of the different tariffs made possible by meters and the potential benefits in terms of more sustainable consumption. But the review must also recognise that meters also have a resource cost which must be balanced against the water saving.
At the same time, both government and industry must continue to be aware of vulnerable and low income customers who may struggle to pay their water bill based on metered consumption.
Water UK looks forward therefore to providing evidence to the review team on this range of complex issues
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