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Search forSouth West Water to be told who is poor
Wednesday, June 04, 2008, 07:00
The move would be aimed at making it easier for South West Water to target assistance at the poorest households struggling to cope with rocketing charges.
It would be in line with similar proposals for information to be shared with energy companies to help low-income families with their fuel bills.
Environment Minister Phil Woolas has indicated plans could be included in forthcoming legislation that promises long-awaited help for householders faced with burgeoning bills.
The draft Floods and Water Bill would implement the recommendations of a review of water charges announced by the Government earlier this year that will look at metering and different pricing plans in a drive to cut water usage and ensure a fairer payment system.
It follows a warning by Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton Linda Gilroy that action on water charges was “long overdue”.
She told fellow MP in a Commons debate that South West Water would like similar access to data about people on low incomes as that being proposed for energy companies.
Last year, average bills for homes with meters in the South West rocketed by 12.5 per cent to £378, and soared by 16.1 per cent for unmetered households to £650. The average bill in London is £275.
On the issue of data-sharing, Mr Woolas said: “I do indeed recognise the importance of data sharing. I have talked to the water companies, including South West Water, to see how we can incorporate that.
“I refer her to the draft Queen's Speech, which included a proposal for legislation on water and flooding. I make no specific pledges on the point that she made; suffice to say that I think she can draw her own conclusions.”
A spokesman for South West Water said: “Potentially, if we were able to share information with government agencies concerning some benefits, this would help us reach people quickly who might benefit from our assistance schemes such as the WaterSure tariff or our own WaterCare programme.”
The firm currently had to advertise or use its own records to try and encourage people to apply, he said.
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