Private Sewers go public-water bills may have to rise

Following protracted delays, the Government has finally announced the transfer of private drains and sewers to water and sewerage companies.  DEFRA Minister Hilary Benn confirmed yesterday that the change will occur in 2011.

At present, some residents can be hit by unexpected bills totalling thousands of pounds for water and sewage leaks they were not aware they were responsible for.  While the changes mean householders will no longer have to pay for repairs on former private sewers and drains, however water bills are set to rise between £4 and £12 per year as a result. 

Adrian Sanders MP said: “This is mostly good news for consumers, in the long run it will be better value and it will save many homeowners the stress and expense that comes from sewerage repairs.  It will mean higher water bills after 2011 and with the highest bills in the UK and the economic downturn likely to still have an impact; this will unfortunately be another burden for South West water customers.”