Guidance for water drainage charges - DEFRA

Defra launched a consultation today on new guidance to water companies on concessionary surface water drainage charges.

Defra launched a consultation today on new guidance to water companies on concessionary surface water drainage charges.

As a result of the switch by some water companies from the rateable value to a site area method of calculating surface water drainage charges some community groups experienced unaffordable water charges. As part of the Flood and Water Management Act this new guidance will protect such community groups.

Environment Minister Richard Benyon said:

"We want to make sure that community and voluntary groups do not face unaffordable water bills. In some cases this part of the bill had become so high that it was threatening the future of many scouts, sports and church groups. Now such bills will be fair and affordable"

The draft guidance will be seeking views on:

• Identifying the need for companies to implement concessionary schemes;

• Which community groups should benefit from any such schemes;

• Setting an affordable charge; and

• The impact on other customers.

A wide range of interested parties are being consulted, including water and sewerage companies, community organisations, Ofwat and the Consumer Council for Water.