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A161 Bond Incentivisation Consultation

Northern Ireland Water is seeking your views on our proposed Article 161 Sewer Bond Incentivisation and Surety Policy.

This updated approach aims to better manage the risks associated with unadopted sewer infrastructure by introducing a fair, transparent framework that rewards responsible developer performance while strengthening protection for customers and the wider public.

Your feedback is important in helping us finalise this policy. Whether you are a homeowner, developer, professional stakeholder, or simply have an interest in how sewer adoption is managed, we encourage you to share your views through the online questionnaire.

The consultation will run from 1st April 2026 to 30th June 2026. All responses will be carefully considered, and your input will help shape the final version of the policy.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute.

Consultation Form

Section 1: About You
1. Which of the following best describes your interest in this consultation? *
2. Are you responding on behalf of an organisation or as an individual? *
Section 2: Experience and Awareness
3. Are you aware of the current requirement for developers to provide a bond as part of the sewer adoption process?
4. In your experience, what are the main challenges with the current bond system for sewer adoption? (Tick all that apply) *
Section 3: Views on the Proposed Incentivisation Scheme (see section 4 of the consultation document)
5. NI Water proposes a risk-based, tiered bond incentivisation scheme, where the bond rate required from developers is directly linked to their performance and track record. Do you support this approach? *
6. What criteria do you think should be used to determine the bond rate? (Tick all that apply) *
7A. Do you have concerns about offering reduced bonds to certain developers? *
7B. Do you have concerns about increased bond rates being applied to certain developers based on their performance and track record? *
Section 4: Implementation, Safeguards and Appeals
8. What safeguards should be in place to protect NI Water and homeowners if a developer with a reduced bond fails to complete works? (Tick all that apply) *
Section 5: Transparency and Information

10. What information about the bond and developer performance should be made available to the following? (Please provide comments in relevant boxes below).

Section 6: Bond Provider Criteria (see section 5 and Appendix 1 of the consultation document)
11. Do you have any views on the proposed criteria for approved bond providers (e.g. minimum Creditsafe score, FCA/PRA regulation, independence from the developer)? *
Section 7: Minimum Bond Thresholds and Release Triggers
12. Are the proposed minimum bond amount (£2,000) and the staged bond release schedule (e.g. 50% at certain milestones, 70% at preliminary adoption, 30% at final adoption) appropriate and clear? *
Section 8: Transition Arrangements and Legacy Cases
13. Do you have any comments on the proposed transition arrangements for existing or legacy developments (e.g. how historic projects with over 5 years of inactivity will be treated)? *
Section 9: Clarity and Accessibility of Appeals Process
14. Is the proposed appeals process for challenging bond tier assignments clear and accessible? *
Section 10: Impact on Development and Housing Supply
15. Do you believe the proposed incentivisation scheme will have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on housing development and supply in Northern Ireland? *
Section 11: Open Comments

The lawful basis for processing the personal information you provide is Article 6(1)(e): processing is necessary in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller. NI Water will confirm receipt of your leak allowance request by email if you have provided your email address. In some cases, we may need to contact you thereafter to obtain further information. We will use the contact information you have provided on the form to do so.

To find out more about how NI Water will lawfully use your personal data, please read our online Privacy Notice.

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