Independent Walker Review of Charging and Metering for Water and Sewerage services
Anna Walker, Chief Executive of the Healthcare Commission is leading an independent review of charging and metering for water and sewerage services.
This is distinct from the Cave Review of competition and innovation in water markets and the 5 year Ofwat Water Charging and Price Review.
Latest news
Publication of call for evidence
The independent Review of Household Charging and Metering for Water and Sewerage Services, led by Anna Walker, published its call for evidence on 14 November 2008. Responses to the call for evidence are required by 19 December 2008. The call for evidence will be used to develop a body of knowledge which the review will use to develop options and recommendations to Government. Evidence is welcomed from the water industry, water customers, environmental organisations, and any other individuals or relevant sectors.
- Anna Walker’s letter to stakeholders. A Welsh version (PDF 132 KB) is also available.
- Call for evidence document (PDF 912 KB). A Welsh version (PDF 1 MB) is also available.
- Related news release.
Stakeholder workshops
We are holding a series of workshops to consult with stakeholders and interested parties on the specific areas for investigation by the Government’s independent national review of the water and sewerage charging system, led by its Chair, Anna Walker. The events will be an opportunity for stakeholders to give their views directly to the Walker Review, and to contribute to the debates on household charging and metering.
The workshops are planned as follows:
- Wales 16th January 2009, Merthyr Tydfil
- East 30th January 2009, Grafham Water
Please contact us for further information about these workshops.
Notes of stakeholder workshops
Summary of the discussions which took place at the stakeholder workshops.
- Plymouth workshop report, 5 December (PDF 88 KB)
Anna Walker and Chris Loughlin (Chief Executive, South West Water) gave presentations at this workshop. Please contact the Review Team if you would like to see copies of these.
- Grafham workshop report, 30 January 2009 (PDF 104 KB)
- Merthyr workshop report, 16 January 2009 (PDF 97 KB)
- London workshop report, 17 December 2008 (PDF 102 KB)
- Warrington workshop report, 11 December 2008 (PDF KB)
The notes of the other workshops will be available in due course.
Why is the review taking place?
Earlier this year, the Government announced an independent review of water metering and charging in Future Water – the Government’s Water Strategy for England. The Welsh Assembly Government has agreed that such a review is timely. In summary, the review will:
- Examine the current system of charging households for water and sewerage services, and assess the effectiveness and fairness of current and alternative methods of charging;
- Consider social, economic and environmental concerns; and
- Make recommendations on any actions that should be taken to ensure that England and Wales has a sustainable and fair system of charging in place. This could include changes to current legislation and guidance.
- Initial letter to stakeholders (28 August 2008)
When is it happening?
The review began in August 2008. The review’s emerging conclusions are likely to be published for consultation in Spring 2009 with a final report later in the year.
How am I affected?
The review is concerned with charges for domestic users of water and sewerage services. Its conclusions are therefore likely to be of interest to householders, landlords, water and waste water industries and associated industries and services, the third sector and local government. Government will decide which of the Report’s recommendations it will take forward.
Should I contribute?
If you have any evidence or views on the future charging regime, the review team would like to hear from you.
Further information
- News release (4 August 2008) announcing the review
- Future Water – the Government’s Water Strategy for England
- Contact us
Page last modified: 10 March 2009
Page published: 28 August 2008