Part V FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER II FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR UNDERTAKERS
154AF1Financial assistance to reduce charges
1
If the Secretary of State considers it desirable to do so, the Secretary of State may give financial assistance for the purpose in subsection (2) to—
a
an English undertaker, or
b
a licensed water supplier that supplies water to premises in accordance with its retail authorisation using the supply system of an English undertaker.
2
The purpose is that of securing the reduction of charges payable by customers in an English undertaker's area for the supply of water or the provision of sewerage services.
3
The power in subsection (1) may be exercised in relation to all customers in an English undertaker's area or customers of a particular description.
4
Financial assistance under subsection (1) may be given in any form and in particular may be given by way of—
a
grant,
b
loan, or
c
guarantee.
5
Financial assistance under subsection (1) may be given on such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
6
Financial assistance under subsection (1) may be given in any manner and in particular may be given—
a
to an English undertaker by means of an arrangement made by the Secretary of State with another English undertaker, or
b
to a licensed water supplier by means of an arrangement made by the Secretary of State with an English undertaker that is a water undertaker.
7
A reference in this section to a customer in an English undertaker's area is a reference to—
a
a person liable to pay charges to the undertaker in respect of the supply of water or the provision of sewerage services, other than a licensed water supplier, or
b
a person whose premises are supplied with water by a licensed water supplier in accordance with its retail authorisation using the undertaker's supply system.
8
In this section a reference to the retail authorisation of a licensed water supplier is to be construed in accordance with section 17A(2).
9
In this section “English undertaker” means a water undertaker or sewerage undertaker whose area is wholly or mainly in England.