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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to review the operation of assessed household charges where a household is unable to have a water meter fitted.

Defra recognises the importance of fair charges for households that are unable to have a water meter fitted. Currently, water companies have the ability to charge by water meters on a mandatory basis in areas designated as water stressed.

Defra is committed to working with Ofwat to ensure to ensure a smooth rollout of 10.4m smart water meters over the next five years (2025-30) and is considering the recommendations made by the Independent Water Commission and the 'Learning from experience' report from Baringa to ensure vulnerable customers are protected during the rollout.