Consumer champion welcomes ‘peace of mind’ for householders with private sewers: but at what price?
Householders whose sewers lie outside the public network will welcome the Government’s decision to transfer their ownership – and repair responsibility – to the nine water and sewerage companies in England.
While welcoming the move, the Consumer Council for Water reminded the financial regulator Ofwat to keep a close eye on the cost to consumers. Transfer costs will be met by a rise in sewerage bills for most customers in England, but preliminary estimates show a range of between £3 and £11 on each customer’s annual bill.
Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “We support the clarity and reassurance that the Government’s decision gives to householders with private sewers. However, all water consumers will foot the bill, and will want to know the exact cost of transferring private sewers into water companies’ hands.
“The extent and condition of private sewers is unknown: water companies do not even know where all of these sewers are located. Most householders do not realise they have responsibility for private sewers, so it is essential that consumers have a clearer picture.”
She added: “Once these issues are clear and understood, consumers will welcome the fact that householders will no longer face the unpleasant surprise of being responsible for sewers that lie outside the public network. The decision will also help companies to tackle sewer flooding by identifying and repairing private sewers with blockages or faults.”
Upto half of English properties are reckoned to connect to private sewers in some form. A Government consultation in 2003 revealed a high level of support for transfer of ownership.
