Water charge plans for businesses

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Water bills for businesses could soon be linked to the amount they use, according to new proposals.

The Scottish Executive is currently carrying out a consultation on water charging for companies.

Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said changing the system could be fairer for the 130,000 businesses in Scotland affected.

She said the measure, which has been supported by CBI Scotland, would also be beneficial for the environment.

Currently the amount firms pay is based on the rateable value of their premises.

But executive proposals could see the introduction of metering for all businesses, along with new charging bands to take into account the physical size of premises and the amount of water that flows into the drainage system from them.

'Substantial savings'

The consultation also takes into account the possibility of competition in the provision of services, such as billing and meter reading, to business customers from April 2008.

Ms Brankin said: "I want to see a water industry which provides the highest level of services, and it is right that businesses which place the least burden on the water system should pay the least.

"I recognise some businesses may have to pay more, but there will likely be substantial savings for other business customers."

She added: "Introducing metering will mean businesses taking into account their water usage and, where necessary, taking steps to minimise it.

"That is fairer for all customers and will benefit the environment."