Section 31 – Charges schemes
79.This section is based on section 76(1) to (4) and (8) of the 1994 Act, as amended by section 13 of, and Part II of Schedule 3 to, the 1999 Act.
80.Subsection (1) requires Scottish Water to make a scheme setting out what it will charge for the provision of services that are part of its core functions. Charges schemes must fix charges paid for services and may also set the times and methods of payment of such charges. This differs from section 76(1) of the 1994 Act in that that subsection empowers rather than requires the existing authorities to make charges schemes. Subsection (2) continues to exempt trade effluent from the scope of charges schemes required at subsection (1). Subsection (3) allows a charges scheme to make different provisions for different classes of customers, including different charges depending on individual circumstances or location. Subsection (4) specifies that a charges scheme comes into force when it has been approved in accordance with section 32.
81.Subsection (5) places a duty on the Commissioner and the Scottish Ministers when approving a charges scheme to consider any advice published under section 33.
82.Subsection (6) allows Scottish Water to enter into individual charge agreements with any person independent of a charges scheme for services provided by Scottish Water.