Water Resources Act 1991

Arrangements for owner of land to pay drainage charge

5 (1) Subject to paragraph 6 below, the Authority may make arrangements with the owner of any chargeable land for any drainage charges which may be raised by the Authority for any period in respect of the land to be levied on the owner, instead of on the occupier of the land.

(2) Where arrangements under this paragraph are made—

(a) the charges in question shall be levied on the owner, instead of on the occupier; and

(b) any reference to an occupier in the provisions of this Schedule (except in this paragraph and paragraph 6 below) shall be construed accordingly.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, where in pursuance of any arrangements under this paragraph the owner of any land pays drainage charges in respect of the land to the Authority either—

(a) before the end of the period of two months beginning with the date of the service on him of the demand for the charges; or

(b) before the end of one-half of the period for which the charges are raised,

the Authority shall make to him an allowance equal to ten per cent. of the full amount of the charges.

(4) No allowance shall be made under sub-paragraph (3) above in respect of charges which, apart from this paragraph, are payable for any period by the owner in pursuance of paragraph 4(5) above.

(5) Where arrangements are made under this paragraph, it shall be the duty of the Authority to give notice of the arrangements, forthwith after they are made, to the occupier of the land affected by them.

(6) The owner of any land who is a party to any arrangements under this paragraph in respect of the land may recover from the occupier of the land a sum equal to the amount of any drainage charges in respect of the land which, apart from the arrangements, would be payable by the occupier.