Taxing debate on question of water bills
Jun 29 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal
PRIESTS, church workers, youth group leaders and charity activists across the North are reeling at a ten-fold hike in their water bills because of a “rain tax”.
Many churches, church halls and other community buildings face bankruptcy and closure.
Rain tax, or surface water drainage charge, means buildings are charged for any rainwater that runs from them or their grounds into public drains. The larger the site, the more water it catches, and the bigger its bill.
The surface water drainage charge is not new. Ofwat recommended it as the fairest approach in 2003. So far only Northumbrian Water, Yorkshire Water, Severn Trent Water and United Utilities have adopted the plan. The system replaces a rateable value, which charged customers for the amount of water used. Ofwat argued this did not reflect accurately the cost of water drainage.
One church treasurer said he had seen bills soar tenfold since the changes were introduced.
Owen Temple, treasurer of Consett Methodist Church in Station Road, Consett, County Durham, said: “Our rates were something like £26 a quarter and they are now £260 a quarter, an increase which is nothing short of scandalous.
“Because we have some generous members of our congregation the church is unlikely to go out of business, but the money we are now spending on water bills could be used to help others.
