Call for evidence - independent Walker review of charging for household water and sewerage services

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (362/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 14 November 2008

The independent Review of Household Charging and Metering for Water and Sewerage Services, led by Anna Walker, published its call for evidence today.

Responses are required by 19 December 2008.

The call for evidence will be used to develop a body of knowledge which the review will use to develop options and recommendations to Government. Evidence is welcomed from the water industry, water customers, environmental organisations, and any other individuals or relevant sectors.

The review and its scope was announced earlier this year in Defra's water strategy -Future Water. It was commissioned to examine the issue of charging for water in response to more acute pressure on supply and demand, a greater awareness of wider environmental impacts, and the increasing concerns about fairness and affordability in the existing system. The review terms of reference include:

* The examination of the current system of charging for households for water and sewerage services, and an assessment of the effectiveness and fairness of current and alternative methods of charging;

* Consideration of social, economic and environmental concerns; and

* Recommendation of any actions that should be taken to ensure that England and Wales have a sustainable and fair system of charging in place.

These could include changes to current legislation and guidance.

The review intends to publish its emerging findings for consultation in spring 2009, with a final report later in the year. A series of stakeholder workshops will be held across England and Wales in December and January. Further details about the workshops can be found at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/industry/water-charging-review/index.htm

Notes to editors

1. Future Water - the Government's Water Strategy for England, was published on 7 February 2008 and can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2008/water-0702.htm.

2. This is a joint review between Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government. It will report to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and to Welsh Ministers. More information, including the terms of reference, can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/industry/water-charging-review/index.htm

3. Anna Walker is the Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission. She has wide experience in regulatory, environmental and social issues including the protection of disadvantaged customers. Anna was Deputy Director General at the office of Telecommunications from 1995-1997, Director General Energy at the Department of Trade and Industry from 1998-2001, and Director General Land Use and Rural Affairs at Defra from 2001-2003. Anna is also a board member of the new National Consumer Council.

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