Lib Dems Slate Unfair Rain Tax

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has condemend United Utilities after the announcement that they still plan to introduce a controversial 'rain tax' on faith groups and charitable organisations over the next ten years.

In a meeting with Defra, Ofwat and representatives of interested organisations, United Utilities concluded that they would still introduce the water surface drainage charge for all sites after suspending previous plans to introduce the charge eariler in the year.

The charge has led to huge bills being levied on organisations that simply cannot afford it.

Mr Rowen has pressed Defra and Ofwat on this issue for several months following contact from sporting clubs, charitable organisations and faith groups throughout Rochdale. Ofwat replied concluding that 'legislation by the Government is needed in order to introduce a social tariff for such organisations.'

Paul Rowen MP said: "It is simply unacceptable that organisations which contributed hugely to our community are having their very existence threatened by this charge. These new rules mean that churches - which often have large roofs - will find themselves being charged substantially more than shops and other porit-making premises. The Government needs to legislate to introduce social tariffs for 'Rain Tax' before the consequences are felt by those who can least afford it."

Littleborough Councillor Pauline Maguire, who is a Beaver Scout leader at the 29th A Rochdale (Starring) Scouts Group, said: "We are literally going to be taxed through the roof with this new policy. The rain tax will see our water rates go up by around 1400% - costing us hundreds of pounds extra each year on top of the upkeep of the building. Unfortunately this could result in us having to cover the costs by increasing the subscriptions that our children pay which is simply not fair. This tax will therefore not only affect local organisations directly but also families too."