Taxing debate on question of water bills

Jun 29 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

“Churches provide a service for the community, we aren’t making profits, so it is unfair that we are being charged in the same way as businesses.”

A spokesman for Northumbrian Water said the changes were “cost-neutral” for the company. It had communicated widely, visited churches, and offered advice on channelling water away from the main drains.

He added that while some buildings saw an increase in their bills others, such as small charity shops, were benefiting by seeing a decrease.

Ofwat agreed that the new way of charging was “fair”. “It is our preferred option,” a spokesman said.

One parish, Seascale in Cumbria, says it faces increases of 591% a year for three years.

The charges rise from £34.14 this year to £205.73 next year, and then £364 in 2010, and £543 in 2011.

A petition containing 45,000 signatures was handed into Downing Street in April demanding churches are charged as charities rather than commercial premises.

The man behind the petition, David Boddy, a Churchwarden from North Thornaby on Teesside, said “I am delighted to see the level of support for this unjust ‘tax’.

“I hope the Government not only listens to us but takes some decisive action to redress the imbalance that has been created by Northumbrian Water in its charging. Churches and charities are not businesses and should be treated differently and fairly.”