Oral Answers to Questions Debate
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John Bercow
Main Page: John Bercow (Speaker - Buckingham)Department Debates - View all John Bercow's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(10 years, 8 months ago)
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Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)
7. What steps he is taking to reduce the effect of rises in water bills on the cost of living.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson)
Thank you very much for your welcome, Mr Speaker. May I quickly thank all hon. Members from across the House who have kindly sent me good wishes?
In November, I wrote to water companies stressing the tough times that households are facing and the vital role the industry can play to help reduce costs. Companies have responded positively. Most are holding bills down in 2014-15, with flat or declining bills proposed from 2015. The Government encourage water companies to introduce social tariffs for vulnerable consumers. Three companies now have them in place, with at least nine more expected by 2015.
George Eustice
Yes, the initiative in Leighton Buzzard my hon. Friend describes is an excellent example of good practice in action. I will be delighted to visit his constituency in Leighton Buzzard—[Laughter]—and see the project myself.
Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con)
15. What support the Government are making available to fishermen affected by the recent bad weather.
Mr Streeter
The assurances I have received from the Electoral Commission are that the technology will work and that this scheme is ready to run on time. The hon. Gentleman has been a trailblazer, because it is very important that all of us visit our electoral registration offices to discuss with them the plan they have to get people on to the register. He has done that. We should all follow his example.