Paragraph 7 Water chargesF1

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.

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.

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—

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.

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—

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—

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

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);

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