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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate Ofwat has made of the total cost of South Staffs Water’s universal metering programme; how much of that cost is funded through customer bills; what cost per installation was assumed in the company’s price determination; and what financial consequences will apply if the programme (a) exceeds its approved cost and (b) fails to deliver the forecast reduction in demand.

Ofwat has allowed £55 million for South Staffs Water's metering programme for 2025-30. The company is funded through Ofwat's price control framework. Ofwat monitors delivery against approved commitments and may apply financial incentives where performance falls short.