Laterals

What is a lateral? I used to have no idea. But it seems they are what connects properties to the city stormwater and sewerage systems. So quite important wee things.

Now in Wellington the Council used to cover the cost of repairs and maintenance to these out of rates. However with very little publicity it seems they changed this recently, so now the property owner has to pay some or all of the cost.

This means that you may now suddenly be liable for any faults that occur to something you have never seen or interacted with.

I’ve been getting copies of some correspondence on the policy change, and the lack of publicity or consultation around it. If anyone else out there has had any dealings with the WCC over laterals and suddenly being landed with a bill for them, please feel free to comment with any relevant info.