asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are aware of the decision of the borough council of Reigate and Banstead to recover the whole cost of the refund of that part of the water rate due to cesspit/septic tank householders only from the cesspit/septic tank householders and whether they are aware of the hardship and injustice this is causing to the householders it was intended to benefit; and whether they will take action to prevent any injustice caused by the council's action.

The charges to which the noble Lord refers are for emptying the cesspools and septic tanks. Like many authorities, Reigate and Banstead Council have had to increase their charges for this service in order to cover the cost of providing it. I understand that in doing so they have related their standard charge to the refunds made under the Water Act 1976.The increases are nevertheless a separate matter from the recovery of the cost of the refunds, which is being made through the sewerage charges levied on connected properties.