The average household will pay �115 from April 2006

The General Consumer Council has welcomed reports that the government is considering delaying the introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland.

The charges were due to start in April 2006 with most Northern Ireland households paying up to �415 per year.

But a memo from the Department of Regional Development, leaked to the Belfast Telegraph, is reported to say that charges may be delayed for 12 months.

Eleanor Gill of the Consumer Council said consumers must have "good legislation rather than hasty legislation".

"We would continue to urge the government to take all the necessary time it needs to reflect on their proposals and to consider the views of ourselves and others," she said.

'Adequate protection'

"This will save us all time and money in the long term and gain greater confidence from consumers and their representatives.

"It is essential that any new way of paying for water and sewage must be fair to all consumers who can afford to pay and provide adequate protection for those who can least afford to pay."

Under plans already announced, the average household would have paid �115 from April 2006, rising to �340 in 2008.

The charges will vary according to property value, but will be capped at �750, with the lowest household charge about �150.

Sewerage services

Household water and sewerage charges will consist of a standing charge of about �55 each for water and for sewerage, plus an element based on property value.

Charges will be phased in with customers paying one-third of the annual charge in the first year, and two-thirds of the annual charge in the second year following their introduction.

Charges will apply to all domestic properties, whether owner-occupied or rented, with the costs for water supply and sewerage services indicated separately in bills.

Help the Aged said the charges would push many older people and families on low incomes further into poverty, and called for those entitled to pension credit to be exempt.