Archived press release

Mandatory grants for lead pipe replacement under threat

21 February 1996

Friends of the Earth today accused the Government of a cynical move to jeopardize the nation's health. On the day that the House of Lords has delivered a stiff warning to the Government on the dangers of allowing lead pipes to remain in the country's drinking water distribution system, Friends of the Earth has highlighted Government moves to undermine the mandatory grant system that covers lead pipe replacement.

The Government has recently introduced the "Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Bill" into the House of Lords. It provides for the replacement of mandatory renovation grants with discretionary grants for the same purpose. Under the current scheme some replacement of lead piping can be be covered by mandatory grants awarded by local authorities[1].

Roger Lilley, Friends of the Earth Industry and Pollution Campaigner,said today:

"Yet again in Government drinking water policy it is money first and public health last. This is a cynical move by the Government to seek to abolish the mandatory grant system under which lead piping could be replaced, just when the House of Lords have produced this damning report on Government inaction to date."

"The Government has long known about the serious risks posed by the existence of lead piping. We have lobbied for the tightening of the standard of lead in water from the current 50 microgrammes per litre to the tougher World Health Organisation standard of 10 microgrammes."

A lowering of the standard in line with the World Health Organisation recommendation would increase the numbers of drinking water supplies deemed to be "unwholesome" and is therefore likely to increase the numbers of households qualifying for any mandatory grant.

ENDS

Notes

[1] Under Part 8 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 mandatory grants subject to a test of resources are awarded where lead piping in a dwelling is causing contamination of drinking water and making the property unfit to live in (DOE Press Release 120, 19.2.1992). The new House Grants, Construction and Regeneration Bill, explicitly repeals part 8 of the 1989 Act.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust