WIREDGOV

Ahead of a meeting with 100 Cub Scouts from around the country today (Wednesday), Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has pledged that action will be taken on surface water drainage charges, sometimes referred to as the “rain tax”.

Speaking at the Water ‘09 conference yesterday (Tuesday), Mr Irranca-Davies said:

 “We all agree that something is clearly wrong if Scout groups, churches and community organisations face huge hikes in their water bills.

“I look forward to an update from Cub Scouts from around the country about the impact that high water bills are having on their local pack.  They have been consistent campaigners in helping us to make sure water companies have a fair charging scheme.

“As we have repeatedly made clear, some companies have been charging people in a way that doesn’t meet the guidance and is not fair and equitable. Following meetings with ministers, United Utilities placed a year-long moratorium on these charges. And I could not be more clear that Ofwat and water companies must resolve the issue.

 “We expect to see proposals from United Utilities very soon on how they plan to tackle the problem in the longer term.  If I don’t think these proposals - or the proposals of any other water company currently charging in a similar way - are fair or equitable, as our current guidance specifies it must be, I want to make very clear that I will take further action. The quickest way to do this would be through specific guidance dealing with this problem. The alternative – legislation – would clearly take longer. And I’m determined the Scouts and other organisations are not met with huge bills this year or next so I hope that water companies will come up an acceptable solution without the need for anything else.

 “Any group or organisation who feels that their bill is wrong should contact Ofwat who have agreed to take it up with the water company on their behalf.”

Notes to editors

1.   Huw Irranca-Davies spoke at the Water ‘09 Conference in London on Tuesday 14 June.

2.   Huw Irranca-Davies will be meeting around 100 Cub Scouts from around the country today (Wednesday) who have come to Parliament as part of their campaign for an end to the so-called “rain tax”.

3.   Huw Irranca-Davies will be available for interview and photo opportunities on the day.

4.   The so-called “rain tax”, or surface water drainage charges, is a way of charging non-domestic properties for surface water drainage based on the “site area” of the property rather than its rateable value.

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