The Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987

Water chargesE+W+S

[F17.—(1) This paragraph does not apply where water charges are paid with rent; and in this paragraph “original debt” means the debt to which sub-paragraph (2) applies, [F2including any disconnection or reconnection charges and any other costs (including legal costs) arising out of that debt].

(2) Where a beneficiary or his partner is liable, whether directly or indirectly, for water charges and is in debt for those charges, the [F3Secretary of State] may determine, subject to paragraph 8, that a weekly amount of the specified benefit shall be paid either to a water undertaker to whom that debt is owed, or to the person or body authorised to collect water charges for that undertaker, [F4but only if [F5the Secretary of State] is satisfied that the beneficiary or his partner has failed to budget for those charges, and that it would be in the interests of the family to make the determination.]

(3) Where water charges are determined by means of a water meter, the weekly amount to be paid under sub-paragraph (2) shall be the aggregate of—

(a)in respect of the original debt, an amount equal to 5 per cent. of the personal allowance for a single claimant aged not less than 25 years; and

(b)the amount which the [F6Secretary of State] estimates to be the average weekly cost necessary to meet the continuing need for water consumption.

(4) Where the sum estimated in accordance with sub-paragraph (3)(b) proves to be greater or less than the average weekly cost necessary to meet the continuing need for water consumption so that a beneficiary or his partner accrues a credit, or as the case may be a further debt, the [F7Secretary of State] may determine that the sum so estimated shall be adjusted for a period of 26 weeks [F8or such longer period as may be reasonable in the circumstances of the case] to take account of that credit or further debt.

(5) Where water charges are determined other than by means of a water meter the weekly amount to be paid under sub-paragraph (2) shall be the aggregate of—

(a)the amount referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(a); and

(b)an amount equal to the weekly cost necessary to meet the continuing need for water consumption.

(6) When the original debt in respect of water charges is discharged [F9or is a moratorium debt], the [F10Secretary of State] may direct that the amount deductible shall be—

(a)where water charges are determined by means of a water meter, the amount determined under sub-paragraph (3)(b) taking into account any adjustment that may have been made in accordance with sub-paragraph (4); and

(b)in any other case, the amount determined under sub-paragraph (5)(b).

(7) Where the beneficiary or his partner is in debt to two water undertakers—

(a)only one weekly amount under sub-paragraph (3)(a) or (5)(a) shall be deducted; and

(b)a deduction in respect of an original debt for sewerage shall only be made after the whole debt in respect of an original debt for water has been paid; and

(c)deductions in respect of continuing charges for both water and for sewerage may be made at the same time.

(8) [F11Subject to paragraph 8 (maximum amount of payments to third parties), a determination under this paragraph shall not be made without the consent of the beneficiary if the aggregate amount calculated in accordance with sub-paragraphs (3), (4), (5) and (6) exceeds [F12a sum calculated in accordance with sub-paragraph 8(4);]]]

F13[F14(9)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments