AQW 44314/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 27/03/2015
Answered On Date: 02/04/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether his Department has plans for a subsidy scheme to support non-domestic properties facing disproportionate increases to water charges.

Answer:

The increase in non-domestic charges this financial year is on average 2.4%. This is the first increase in water and sewerage charges in three years. In the previous two consecutive years, NI Water has reduced all non domestic charges. Non domestic charges were reduced on average by 2.5% in 2013/14 and then by a further 4% in 2014/15.

Since the Executive agreed to the extension of water and sewerage charging to all non-domestic consumers from April 2008, charges for water and sewerage services have been reviewed annually. Any revisions must be determined in accordance with a process overseen by the Utility Regulator which protects customer interests.

It is important to remember that the Executive continues to subsidise non-domestic customers’ charges by providing a domestic allowance for measured consumers and a 50% discount for unmeasured consumers.