GOVERNMENT TURNS OFF TAPS ON WATER RATES RIP OFF
GOVERNMENT TURNS OFF TAPS ON WATER COMPANIES RIP-OFF
Good news for community groups has come from the Government as water companies have been forced to look again at how local voluntary organisations are charged for water and sewerage services. The news has been welcomed by local MP, Lynda Waltho.
Previously, community groups were charged commercial rates for surface water drainage. But following a successful lobby by Stourbridge MP, Lynda Waltho, supported by local community groups, the Government has announced a change to the law so that water companies must look again at how community groups are charged.
Stourbridge MP, Lynda Waltho said: “Many community groups, like the Scout Movement in Stourbridge, have been charged commercial rates by water companies, which aren’t fair, as these organisations work on limited means and rely on volunteers to give something back to Stourbridge.”
The announcement came from Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn and is designed to assist community groups in their work. Water companies and the water regulator, OFWAT will now have to give consideration to the particular concerns of voluntary groups.
“I and other MPs have worked with local organisations to secure this change in the law and I’m delighted the Government’s taken notice of their concerns about unfair water charges The Government’s turned off the taps on a water company rip-off.”
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