Defra has today launched a consultation paper "Consultation on Draft Regulations and Proposals for Schemes for the Transfer of Private Sewers and Lateral Drains to Water and Sewerage Companies in England and Wales" which can be accessed at the Defra website through the following link:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/private-sewers/index.htm
This joint consultation covers England and Wales. It details how the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government will transfer private sewers and lateral drains to the ownership of the statutory water and sewerage companiesin order to resolve the multiple problems presented to homeowners by private sewer ownership.
We invite views on the regulations providing for transfer, and the proposals for schemes under the regulations,from all those with an interest in the issue of private sewers.
The consultation begins by setting out background on:
- the private sewers review;
- transfer; and
- the Government's current intentions about how to implement transfer.
The decision to transfer private sewers follows a longstanding review of the challenges raised by private sewers. After careful consideration, the Government concluded that transfer provided the most comprehensive solution, removing unfair burdens from householders and allowing for a more integrated sewerage network. Richard Benyon subsequently announced at the Local Government Flood Forum Conference on 29 July 2010 that he intended consult on draft regulations to provide for transfer at the end of summer 2010.
Unless a problem occurs householders are often unaware that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their private sewer (sometimes jointly with others). Furthermore, this disparate ownership of the sewerage network causes difficulties for both consistent standards and long term planning, which is important in adapting to the effects of climate change and housing growth.
All response should be sent to:
Private Sewers Transfer Implementation Team
Area 2C
Ergon House
Horseferry Rd
London
SW1P 2AL
Responses can also be sent via e-mail to:
privatesewer.consultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
And to:
Water Policy Branch
Private Sewers Consultation
Climate Change & Water Division
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
