Linda will tell the House “too many people are struggling to pay bills that are unacceptably high” and she will urge water minister Phil Woolas to find not only a long term and comprehensive solution, but also to put in place immediate safeguards to help the most vulnerable groups.  

The speech will pick up on many of the recommendations  on affordability made in a report published by the All Party Parliamentary Water Group’s this April which called for, among other things, the phased introduction of universal water metering and modifications to the tax and benefit system to help those struggling to pay water bills. 

The speech will also outline Linda’s hopes for the Government’s own forthcoming review into charging and metering.

2 June 2008