Minister agrees to consider MPs proposal to help with cost for septic tanks

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesman Tim Farron MP, today challenged Secretary of State Hilary Benn to help rural residents pay for the costs of their septic tanks by transferring their responsibility from private residents to water companies.

Speaking today in the House of Commons, Mr Farron highlighted the plight of residents in areas such as the Summerlands estate near Endmoor who depend on the use of a septic tank but who struggle to keep up with the huge financial burdens of their upkeep.

Hilary Been agreed to consider Mr Farron's suggestion for septic tanks to be included under proposals to transfer responsibility for private drains and sewers to water companies by 2011.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Many residents in rural areas - such as the Summerlands estate near Endmoor - depend on septic tanks. But the upkeep of septic tanks is a huge financial burden to families, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. I spent last Saturday afternoon with residents of the Summerlands estate, listening to their concerns about the huge costs they are often subject to.

"The Government are transferring the responsibility of private sewers to water companies because they agree that local residents shouldn't have to pay for the upkeep of something that is clearly the responsibility of the water company.

"Given that it can cost thousands of pounds to maintain a septic tank, I'm hopeful that Hilary Benn will see sense and extend the transfer of responsibility for private sewers to include septic tanks."