01/02/10
Sustainable drainage and hosepipe bans were among the big issues discussed at the Committee Stage of the Flood and Water Management Bill, completed on 21 January.
Such was the debate that the Minister agreed to meet the water industry to discuss concern about connections to the public sewer – how water companies might influence who can connect and where – and the Bill’s proposals for major infrastructure projects.
The industry has welcomed a new clause on landlords’ duty to inform water companies about the occupiers of a property (next story).
The Bill's Report Stage (2 February) will be busy. The Minister has agreed to come back to the House with an amendment to add to the uses of water that can be prohibited in a drought, and with the government’s guidance on concessionary charges for community groups.
There’s sure to be further debate on the provision of major infrastructure projects and agreements on new drainage systems before the Bill goes to the House of Lords.
Defra and the Minister are under pressure to get the Bill through parliament, before a general election is called.
Contact: Dawn Waterman
