Changes to the law to protect scout groups, faith groups, amateur sports clubs and other community groups in the North West from unaffordable rises in bills for surface water drainage have been set out for the first time by the Government last week.
Secretary of State Hilary Benn announced in September that the Government would legislate to enable water companies to operate a concessionary charge scheme for surface water drainage charges, tackling the problems that have been seen in parts of the country with community organisation’s bills going up by hundreds or thousands of pounds.
The details have been published as part of the Flood and Water Management Bill last week. Water companies will be enabled by law to operate a concessionary scheme for certain community organisations or groups – it would be up to the water company to decide which groups should receive the concessionary charge although the Government will provide guidance to water companies which will be subject to consultation.
Hilary Benn said:
“These groups shouldn’t be in a position where they’re worrying about paying their bills, and the changes we’ve set out will ensure that they can get on with the fantastic job they do in our communities. We announced recently that we would legislate to make this happen, and today we’ve set out exactly what we want that legislation to look like. I am grateful to all the groups who have been campaigning on this issue so effectively.”