The Environment Agency has launched a consultation seeking views on their proposed charging approach for water resources abstraction and impounding licensing. The proposed charges (which have not changed for the past 10 years), are due to take effect from April 2022 and will be based on:
- The volume of water taken from the environment
- Where the water is taken from; and
- How much of that water is returned to the environment
According to the Environment Agency, the proposed changes to the charging scheme will increase their income and help them manage water better. They will:
- Mean better access to water and security of supply for the public and business
- Make their charges fairer for customers
- Mean they can invest more in their assets to make sure they are safe, effective, cost efficient and resilient
- Allow them to better monitor water so it’s available for customers when they need it
- Enable them to modernise the regulatory regime and provide better digital services for customers
- Help them protect and enhance the environment using a more sustainable approach to water abstraction – in particular for rare and sensitive habitats
- Mean they can better prepare for protecting the environment, businesses and the public during prolonged dry weather
The consultation closes at 11:45am on 10 November 2021. Please follow the link for more information about the consultation and details on how to complete the survey https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/water-resources-charge-proposals-from-april-2022
