URGENT action is needed to protect voluntary groups across Warrington from soaring water charges.
So says David Mowat, Prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South.
He wants the government to act immediately to protect community groups such as churches, Scouts, Girl Guides and sports clubs who are threatened with what has become known as the “rain tax.”
Mr Mowat (pictured) said as a result of government guidance, charges for surface water drainage are being introduced by some water companies including United Utilities in Warrington.
Many churches, scout groups and amateur sports clubs will pay hundreds of pounds more in higher bills, in some cases amounting to a third of their yearly revenue.
Such charging by site area falls disproportionately on churches and sports clubs which often have large roofs, a large open area or a sizeable car park. The new charges could cost the Church of England £15 million a year.
In Warrington alone this would amount to around £40,000 a year.
The Scout Association estimate that the changes could cost scout huts £500 a year, equivalent to 25 to 30 per cent of their yearly income. Such voluntary groups currently have exemptions or discounts for business rates, but this will not extend to water rates.
Mr Mowat said Ministers had “sat on their hands” and refused to accept responsibility for the increases.
He said the government should use the forthcoming Flood and Water Management Bill to ensure that water companies are given the freedom they need to protect places of worship, scouts and guides groups and amateur sports clubs from unacceptably high charges.
Water companies should be able to levy “social tariffs”.
Mr Mowat said: “It is time to axe this unfair ‘rain tax’. While Labour Ministers sit on their hands, Conservatives are standing up for the local community and calling for a change in the law. Water companies should be able to reduce the charges for voluntary groups and treat them fairly, given the vital role such not-for-profit groups play in community life.”
