02/04/2009 - Sports club water bill changes call
The Tories are calling on the Government to impose a "moratorium" on changes to water charges that have seen large increases in the bills of some churches and sports clubs.
Advice from water regulator Ofwat has resulted in some water companies changing their billing policies in relation to voluntary organisations, which had previously been largely exempt from drainage charges.
Speaking at Commons question time, Conservative MP Nick Hurd said: "It's hard enough to run a voluntary organisation but now really important community organisations such as churches and sports clubs are facing huge increases in their water bills as a result of new surface-water drainage charges, some clubs reporting 10-fold increases in their bills.
"It is extraordinary these changes have been made without any impact assessment. Surely the one thing Government must do in these times is avoid making things even harder for people trying to help their communities.
"So will they step in now and impose a moratorium on these changes until at least an impact assessment is done, because that would be real help now?"
In response, Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne said that the Government was "absolutely determined" to make sure there is specific, targeted, focused help for organisations that are under pressure.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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