MPS URGE GOVERNMENT TO SPEED UP ACTION ON WATER BILLS
January 20, 2012 11:51 AM
Cornwall's Liberal Democrat MPs have called on the Government to act quickly to ensure local water customers receive the much needed help with their water bills as soon as possible.
The Water Bills Relief Fund, worth £35million annually, was announced by the Coalition Government in November and will provide a yearly rebate of £50 for all households in the South West Water area. Primary legislation will have to be passed by Parliament before bills can be cut in 2013.
Cornish Lib Dem MPs are now urging the government to make sure the legislation is brought forward as soon as possible, and before the Queen's Speech and new session of Parliament in May.
The MPs are set to meet with the Water Minister Richard Benyon to discuss the issue.
Commenting, Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, said:
"As a Liberal Democrat, I'm pleased that for first time we have a government that's listened and is acting on the problem of unfair water bills in Cornwall.
"However, we are eager for this action to be taken as quickly as possible. The Government could make a real difference by bringing forward the regulations now rather than waiting until the next session of Parliament."
St Austell & Newquay MP, Stephen Gilbert added:
"The last Conservative government botched the privatisation of the water industry and Labour took no action to put it right. It's vital that the Coalition Government gets on with the job of cutting water bills."
The MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Andrew George, said:
"After long campaigning for fair water bills it is good to see Liberal Democrats in Government able to take the first step in putting right a 20 year wrong.
Legislation is needed. A short sharp Bill now would give South West Water what it needs to put all the mechanics in place for next year."
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