9
Even with exemption for low-volume water users, the initial sewage charge for a public housing family will be modest - some 47% lower than the projected water bill in 1994. It will rise steadily at a rate of 12% a year, in line with increases of operating expenses. In 1997 the charging level will still be 42% lower than the projected water charges then (assuming nominal increase of 8.7% in water charges per annum).
10
The charging scheme is devised to reflect generally the cost of sewage services of which the domestic sector is a major user. To be in line with the polluter pays principle, we do not propose to exclude domestic households from the charging scheme. The trade effluent surcharge, as described in paragraph 6 above, should already reflect the additional cost required for treating the more polluting discharges from industry and trade.
The Billing System
11
A separate item for the sewage charge will be included in the water bill for each water account holder and fees will be collected every four months by the Treasury. To minimise the administrative cost required for these arrangements, we propose that the Director of Water Supplies be the collection agent for sewage charges and that the existing billing system and customer service unit for water services be expanded for this purpose.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.