Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether an area's socio-economic deprivation is a factor in compulsory metering decisions made by (a) Thames Water and (b) other water companies.

Before implementing a domestic metering programme, water companies must assess the cost-effectiveness of the programme as a mechanism for reducing demand for water by comparison with other measures. Their metering programmes inform business plans that must be approved by Ofwat. Water companies need to show broad customer support for metering programmes and set out clearly how they will mitigate the impacts on customer bills.

All water companies offer social tariffs to help customers. If a customer is struggling to pay their bills they should speak with their water company about the possible support available.