Memorandum submitted by David Kidney MP
(DFWMB 23)
I recently corresponded with Severn Trent Water
on the subject of surface water charging.
I enclose for your information a copy of my letter
to the Minister, and the enclosure referred to, making my representation
that the kinds of exceptions Severn Trent Water currently allows
should be expressly permitted in the future.
Defra has an opportunity to embed this in the
law through the proposed Flood & Water Management Bill which
has just been published in draft for consultation.
As the Committee will be carrying out pre-legislative
scrutiny of the draft Bill, please accept this as my representation
on this matter.
Letter to Huw Irranca-Davies MP
SURFACE WATER
CHARGES
I enclose for your information a copy of a letter
I have received from Severn Trent Water explaining its approach
to imposing surface water charges on organisations carrying out
socially useful activities not-for-profit.
I approve of the Company's existing policy that makes
exceptions to surface water charging on places of worship, schools,
community centres, scout groups, girl guiding organisations and
hospitals.
I regret very much that the regulator, operating
under policy made by your Department, requires this good and fair
practice to cease in the future. However gentle the transition
may be, it is still going to hit organisations that survive on
a shoe-string now and yet do enormous good in their local communities.
I wish to represent to you, in response to the
draft Flood & Water Management Bill, that the law should permit
a scheme of exceptions for the kinds of groups who benefit currently
from exceptions like those operated by Severn Trent Water.
Please confirm that my representation will be
taken into account and please also let me have your view in response
to the points I make in this letter.
April 2009
| 
