TDs call for certainty on water bills

Fine Gael and Labour TDs and senators last night asked that householders be provided with certainty on their water bills, with numerous requests that the period for fixed charges be extended.

The issue of water charges was discussed at the weekly Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting, but TDs and Senators were split into different work groups to discuss their concerns.

Those at the meeting said common themes which emerged included communications from Irish Water to customers, as well as providing certainty to homeowners, particularly those with a large number of adults in one house.

It is understood there were calls at the Labour meeting for additional measures for parents of dependent children aged 18 or over who may still be living at home while in full time education or training.

When asked if such measures are being considered, a senior Government source said a “comprehensive package” on water charges is being prepared. “People are calling for it,” another source said. “Too early to say it will be done but it would be fair to say there is a political will to do it.”

Concern

Another figure said there is “concern for sure about bills being higher for households with multiple adults, college kids, etc, but it is too early to predict the measures”.

The Irish Times reported yesterday that the Coalition is considering extending the period during which households will pay an effective fixed-rate charge to allow for the further installation of water meters, and to allow homeowners control their water usage.

Assessed charges, a fixed rate based on the number of occupants per home, apply in homes where meters have yet to be installed. But all homes will have their bills capped at the assessed rate until next summer.

Government sources said changes to the pricing and payment models are being examined, with further discussions possibly taking place at Cabinet or the Economic Management Council next week.

One source suggested an announcement could be made soon after, and one Fine Gael TD said most people at the parliamentary party meeting were “looking for certainty”.

“There was a wide feeling fixed or flat charges are where we need to be going,” the deputy added. “If any changes are made they should be made sooner rather than later. Most of us accept the need for the charges to be paid, it is just the certainty.”

Sources said Taoiseach Enda Kenny was present at the meeting but did not give any commitments on the issues raised.

Similar issues surrounding water charges were also discussed at the weekly meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party yesterday evening, with certainty over charging and relief for parents of adult children mentioned by speakers.

Extension

Regarding the extension of assessed charges, a number of figures insisted any changes made will not jeopardise the current arrangement whereby most of Irish Water’s spending and borrowing is kept off the State balance sheet for the purpose of judging EU targets.

This is possible in cases where non-government funding, such as the levying of charges from the public, accounts for the bulk of operating costs. Officials believe extending the assessed charging system can be done while still keeping Irish Water off the balance sheet.

Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly said any changes will have to be considered by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

“Every issue is going to be considered by Government but I just do want to point out that, in looking at this, everything has to be put through the regulator and the regulator has a huge role,” Mr Kelly said.