Roger Williams

Liberal Democrats | Brecon and Radnorshire

Proposed changes to private water regulations a cause for concern – Roger Williams MP

22 May 2009

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, has expressed concerns about the proposed changes to the Private Water Regulations.

A number of significant changes have been proposed by the Welsh Assembly Government, which would require that all commercial supplies, no matter how small, be risk assessed 2 or 4 times a year. The supply would be assessed from the source to the tap.

Mr. Williams said:

"The changes proposed could have a significant impact upon many rural businesses.

"Currently an owner of a B&B with a private water supply is charged £70.30 annually and under the proposals this could rise to £610.

"Such an increase is disproportionate and some B&B owners would not be able to afford the new charges.

"The proposals would also affect others on private water supplies such as schools, caravan sites, holiday cottage owners and dairies.

"The current consultation ends on June 8th and I would urge anyone who thinks they made be affected by these proposed changes to take part in it.

"For further information and for details of where to send your consultation comments please contact me on williamsr@parliament.uk".