Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:49 pm on 26 November 2019.
I simply wanted to ask how this regulation—amendment to the regulation—will make sure that there is a proportionate approach, and that there is a reasonable approach that is taken to fines and penalties. I disagree with the point that Mark has made; I think SuDS systems now are absolutely essential—we've learnt this, they have to be in place, and it is right that there is a proportionate, in terms of an appropriately high, level to deter abuses of actually not proceeding with SuDS in the appropriate ways too. But, then again, I think to give some reassurance to the housebuilding community out there that there is some way in which this process goes through checks and balances, so it's not used in any arbitrary way, but those that choose not to comply with the SuDS regulations—and some of these will be builders of significant size, not just small and medium-sized businesses; they could be large housebuilders—they have something that will deter them from not complying with the SuDS regulations that are in place. But I would emphasise to the Minister that I think the SuDS regulations that we've put in place are absolutely a necessity nowadays, not a burden to be avoided or shilly-shallied around on—they have to be in place, because of the loading now on our water and sewerage systems.