Clause 42 - Objectives and duties under WIA
Water Bill [Lords]
9:15 am
Mr Elliot Morley (Minister of State (Environment and Agri-Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Scunthorpe, Labour)
Of course, as the hon. Gentleman points out, many people in rural areas are not at all vulnerable but there are isolated rural communities that are not on water mains and do not have main sewerage systems. I have had many representations from hon. Members about the problems in rural areas with water and sewerage services.
We are not saying that everyone in rural areas—or, indeed, everyone who is disabled—is in a vulnerable group and has problems, but such groups are recognised by the regional consumer organisations and the regional Water Voice organisations. In some water companies there are structures and funds to help vulnerable groups, many of which are defined in the Bill. It is undesirable and unnecessary to remove the categories; just because certain groups are in the Bill does not mean that there are not other categories that need special consideration, and they are catered for. But the main groups are in the clause and I strongly urge the Committee to leave it as drafted.