Water Resources Act 1991

Recovery of drainage chargesE+W

12(1)Arrears of any drainage charge may be recovered by the [F1appropriate agency] in the same manner in which arrears of a non-domestic rate may be recovered under the M1Local Government Finance Act 1988 by a [F2billing authority] within the meaning of that Act.E+W

(2)Without prejudice to its powers by virtue of [F3section 37 of, and paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to, the 1995 Act], the [F1appropriate agency] may by resolution authorise any member or officer of the [F1appropriate agency], either generally or in respect of particular proceedings—

(a)to institute or defend on its behalf any proceedings in relation to a drainage charge; or

(b)notwithstanding that he is not qualified to act as a solicitor, to appear on the [F1appropriate agency's] behalf in any proceedings before a magistrates’ court for the issue of a [F4warrant of control] for failure to pay a drainage charge.

(3)In proceedings for the recovery of arrears of a drainage charge the defendant shall not be entitled to raise by way of defence any matter which might have been raised on an appeal under paragraph 11 above.

(4)The [F1appropriate agency] shall not be required to demand or enforce payment of a drainage charge in any case where the amount of the charge is insufficient to justify the expense of collection.

Textual Amendments

F2Words in Sch. 15 para. 12(1) substituted (1.8.1992 subject to savings in S.I. 1992/1755, art. 2(2)) by Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 117(1), Sch. 13 para. 98 (with s. 118(1)(2)(4); S.I. 1992/1755, art. 2(1)

F3Words in Sch. 15 para. 12(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 25, s. 120(1), Sch. 22 para. 187(2) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1996/186, art. 3

Marginal Citations