- Auditel Consultant:
- Jack Pokoj
New Rules for Surface Water Drainage costs!
29 Sep 2009 | Filed under: UtilitiesThe government says it will intervene after churches and charities campaigned against the so-called “rain tax”, which saw water bills rise as much as 1,300%.
New legislation governing surface water charges will be brought in as part of the Flood and Water Management Bill, in the next session of Parliament. The new law will allow water companies to apply concessionary charges for community organisations such as scout groups, amateur sports clubs and faith groups.
Ofwat says the cost of providing surface water drainage in England and Wales is about £700m every year, and everyone needs to pay their share. But the policy has led to some not-for-profit groups paying considerably more than commercial buildings – like shops and factories. Churches faced higher bills because the drainage charges are based on the total surface area of their roofs, which governs how much rainwater has to be drained away into sewers.
In a joint statement, the Scout Association, the Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby Football Union and the Church of England, said they would be “seeking assurances” from all of the main political parties “to make sure these measures become law”.
