Details Of Comprehensive Water Services Review In The North Released

Regional Development Minister in the North, Conor Murphy, this weej announced the terms of reference for the review of water and sewerage services.

The Executive decided on last month that new annual charges for water and sewerage services would not be imposed in 2007/2008.

In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister said: "The terms of reference agreed by the Executive propose a comprehensive review of existing arrangements for the delivery of water and sewerage services led by an independent panel.

"The review will have two strands. The first strand focuses on the fundamental issues of financing these essential services and should report by Autumn 2007.

"This will enable budgetary arrangements to be agreed. The second strand will concentrate on wider aspects of arrangements for water and sewerage and should report by December 2007.

"It will be able to take a longer perspective and recommend any changes which may require new legislation or structural arrangements. Any recommendations on the second strand will be subject to consultation.

"In the meantime we must work within existing structures to deliver water and sewerage services and do our best to make sure that these essential services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible.

"In terms of scope the review panel will be tasked with identifying the level of funding needed and set out options to examine the most appropriate way of managing, governing and delivering our water and sewerage services within full public-ownership. It will make recommendations on the way forward covering governance and statutory arrangements, investment, business models and strategic plans.

"This is a wide-ranging remit with a challenging timescale. However, it is important that the Executive is able to take key decisions as soon as possible.

"I believe it is of paramount importance that there is public confidence in the conduct of the review and that the reasons for any decisions are clearly set out. I believe that the terms of reference that have been agreed provide the best way forward to achieve this."