Vol. 572 No. 3
504 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to introduce water charges; if legislation is being drawn up to facilitate the introduction of water charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22967/03]
Charges for non-domestic users of water services are already provided for in legislation and are widely established. It is Government policy to bring greater uniformity to these arrangements by requiring that all non-domestic users of water services meet the costs of providing them with these services on a metered basis by 2006. This is line with the proper application of the polluter pays principle and the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.
The Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act 1997 precludes the charging of domestic users of water services and there is no proposal for amendment of this provision.
505 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the purpose of the Water Services Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22968/03]
The Water Services Bill will consolidate and update the existing diverse body of water services legislation, much of which dates back to the 19th century, into a single modern enactment. In addition, it will provide for new administrative and supervisory arrangements to underpin planning and delivery of water services at national and local level, and place duties of care on consumers in relation to water conservation and prevention of risk to human health and the environment. Proposed new licensing arrangements are designed to address current problems in the rural water sector in particular.
It is expected that the Government will approve the draft Bill for publication in the near future.
