A Common Framework for Capital Maintenance Planning - UKWIR Report

Over the last year-and-a-half a team of consultants and a number of water companies have been working hard to develop the common framework. This work has been commissioned by UKWIR. The study UKWIR/ Tynemarch Associates, "Capital Maintenance Planning: A Common Framework", was published in May 2002 and can be purchased from UKWIR for £500.

We have been involved closely in developing the framework. We have reviewed the final proposals before publication. We are pleased to agree and confirm that the framework when implemented fully and effectively by a water company will provide a robust basis for assessing future capital maintenance needs. The methods set down in the framework are consistent with our requirements set out in MD161 "Maintaining Serviceability to Customers" (April 2000).

We consider that the common framework maps closely onto our staged approach to capital maintenance needs, as outlined in RD14/02 "Maintaining water and sewerage systems in England and Wales". Its prime focus is our stage B where the assessment looks at the impact of future changes that might make it necessary to have a different level of activity than has been sufficient in the past.

The common framework is a large step in the right direction. We welcome and support UKWIR's plans to develop further guidance in the form of 'Good practice manuals', and particular areas of the framework – for application at the coming and subsequent reviews.