Response to DEFRA Consultation on Water Charges in the South West Water Area

Adrian Sanders Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD)]

I rise to present a petition from the residents of Torbay on the recommendations in the Walker review and the Government’s response to that review, which my petitioners are asking to be implemented. I am talking about the additional support for people on low incomes, the extension of the Water Sure scheme and an annual payment to South West Water in order to bring water and sewerage charges closer to the national average, rather than 40% higher.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The Petition of residents of Torbay,

Declares that the Petitioners welcome the Government's commitment to fair and affordable water and sewerage services; and further notes the recommendations contained in paragraph 4.18 of the consultation document “Affordable water: a consultation on the Government's proposals following the Walker Review on Charging”.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to enhance the Water Sure scheme, to introduce a social tariff to benefit water consumers on low incomes and to introduce an annual payment of £40 million to South West Water from public funds to reduce water bills so that they are close to the national average for identical services.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.]

[P000931]