Water bills for people not using the service
Molloy asked what guidance applied when authorities billed people who did not use their water supply. The Minister said the circular sought justification for such bills; the Chair stopped discussion of the earlier Bill debate.
What guidance has been given to local authorities who have been obliged under the legislation to issue bills for water charges to people who do not avail of water supply from the local authorities?
Comment on this
This is why the circular was issued. We had evidence that bills were issuing to people who did not avail of the service from the local authority. In such cases we asked for the justification for sending bills to these people.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that this was pointed out to him when the Bill was being debated? He was asked if this practice would be applied to people not availing of the service. The Minister said yes, they would have to pay for the service whether or not they availed of it. The Minister refused to accept an amendment from this side of the House at that time.
