SURFACE WATER CHARGES - MP HAS SUPPORT OF SEVERN TRENT WATER

23 May 2009

Stafford’s MP David Kidney wrote to Severn Trent Water seeking support for a law change to prevent churches and community groups being landed with huge bills for surface water services in the future. The Company has responded by agreeing with his suggestion.

David Kidney explains:

“The Water Company says that the 2010 changes to their charging policy are required by the regulator, Ofwat. Severn Trent does not make any additional revenue from the changes. This is because surface water charges will be re-balanced across the customer base if the previous exemptions are abolished.

“Severn Trent shares my concern about how the change in water charges will affect customers like churches, community halls, sports clubs and scout groups. Under the current rules, all the Company can do about this concern is to offer to phase in the increased charges over a period of time. The Company also has plans to advise affected customers on issues of water efficiency measures and reducing the amount of hardstanding on their property.

“What is needed is a more radical approach and that is why I am proposing that the new Water & Flood Management Bill should be amended to ensure that all water companies continue to give reductions in charges to community groups. As the letter to me from Severn Trent states:

“Ultimately though, the only way to resolve this issue is for the regulations to be changed to allow us to continue with our existing charging policy”.

For further information CONTACT David’s offices on 020 7219 6472 and 01785 224444 or his mobile number 07966 378844