The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

Regulations as to provisions to be included in charges schemes

202.—(1) The provisions of any charges scheme under Article 201 must comply with any requirements prescribed by the Department by regulations.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), regulations under this Article may—

(a) prescribe items with respect to which a consumer is, or is not, to be liable to pay a charge;

(b) make provision as to the matters by reference to which charges may or must be fixed and as to methods and principles to be adopted in calculating and imposing charges;

(c) require alternative bases of charging to be made available to consumers;

(d) require special provision, including exemption from specified charges, to be made for the purpose of—

(i) assisting individuals who are or would be liable to pay any charges and who fall within any class of individuals appearing to the Department to require special provision; or

(ii) promoting the efficient use of water.

(3) Regulations under this Article imposing requirements for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (2)(d)(i) may—

(a) prescribe the classes of persons for whom special provision is to be made in relation to any premises by reference to matters such as financial circumstances, age or ill-health;

(b) make provision as to the method of identifying those entitled to assistance under the regulations.

(4) The power to make regulations under this Article may not be exercised for the purpose of limiting the total revenues of relevant undertakers from charges fixed by or in accordance with charges schemes.