Restricting water access could harm food production, warns CLA

THE CLA is calling for agriculture to be exempt from new government proposals to reduce access to water. Responding to the Government's water abstraction consultation, Making the most of every drop, the Association says that unless farmers are given secure access to water, UK food production could be seriously compromised. But what should be done to support for water customers struggling to pay their water bills? This is one of the issues discussed at the next meeting of the Consumer Council for Water's (CCWater) Northern Committee on Tuesday, 8 April 2014.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said:- "Agriculture represents less than 1% of the total licensed volumes of water, and should be removed from the abstraction regime. The Government's proposals must guarantee food businesses have secure access to water if essential food security is to be maintained. A system that restricts the ability to abstract water during very low river flows could harm crops, fruit and vegetables and hinder food production."

The Government is proposing 2 key options. The 1st Current System Plus; would allow people to abstract up to a fixed annual volume of water with daily limits and conditions. The Water Shares option would see the Government decide on the total allocation of water to be abstracted in part of a catchment and divvy up the share accordingly. The new proposals would also automatically revoke unused abstraction licenses, which the CLA claims would cause serious problems for the agricultural industry.

Miss Fairburn said:- "Food businesses have strategic reasons as to why licensed volumes of water may not be fully used, for instance excessive rainfall or crop rotation. Abstractors must 1st be given the chance to justify their need for water, and if the decision to revoke a licence is maintained, there should be the option to sell or transfer it."

If you attend the Water's (CCWater) Northern Committee on Tuesday, 8 April 2014, in Malmaison Hotel, 1 to 3 Piccadilly, Manchester from 10am, you will be able to find out about packages companies have put in place to support those who are struggling to pay their water bill, and their current thinking on developing new tariffs to help the most vulnerable. You can also raise the questions the CLA are asking. There will also be an update on how each of the companies are performing, as well as details of the new prices customers will be charged for water and sewerage services from April. Looking further ahead the meeting will also consider progress on the process which will see the regulator Ofwat set water price limits for 2015 to 2020 later this year.

Andrea Cook, chair of CCWater's Northern Committee, said:- "These meetings are a good opportunity for customers in our region to find out how their water company is performing. Affordability is a big issue for many customers and there will be a chance to learn more about the support available for those who are struggling to pay their water bill."

Water customers will also have the opportunity to raise any issues of interest or concerns they might have during a listening session at the beginning of the meeting.

To confirm your attendance call Barbara Leech on:- 01325 728034 or email:- Barbara.leech@ccwater.org.uk.

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