South West Lib Dem MP's query cost of sewer ownership transfer

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Jun 2007

Following yesterday's meeting between the group of South West Liberal Democrat MPs and South West Water's Chief Executive, Chris Louglin, fears are growing that the Government's plans to transfer ownership of private sewers to water companies will place a further financial burden on the people of the South West.

The policy will see ownership of 4400 kilometres of private sewers and laterals transferred to South West Water. This represents an overall increase of around 50% to South West Water's existing responsibility which currently stands at 9000km. The Water Research Council has estimated that it will cost South West Water £7m to carry out surveys to locate and record the sewers, £32m to bring all them up to standard with an annual operating cost of £1-3m.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed that they will hold a public consultation on the implementation options for the transfer. The consultation will also pose questions on the scope of the assets to be included in the transfer.

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders commented

"I know that the current system of private ownership of sewers is plagued by a myriad of problems, not least the unfair financial burden they can place on the individual when things go wrong, I acknowledge that something needs to be done. But once again, unsurprisingly, it appears that it will be the people of the South West will get the worst deal. DEFRA states that, as a result of the transfer of ownership, household bills will rise, on average, by between £3-£11 annually. Yet figures for the South West indicate it is likely to be between £12-14"

St Ives MP Andrew George added

"South West Water's Chief Executive is, himself, concerned at the Government's uncertainty surrounding the possible financial implications of this transfer. I hope the Government will listen to the responses they receive from this consultation. The Government must take into account the already high charges faced by South West residents. It is not fair that this financial burden should increase further"