New 'Rain Tax' is Drain on Church Finances
09/02/2009
Changes to the charging schemes for surface and highways water drainage have already begun to affect churches and there is growing concern over this. It was debated during Parliamentary Questions on 9 February and there was also a private members bill put to General Synod at its recent session.
A statement from DEFRA indicated that Ministers are very concerned about this issue. Their view is that something is clearly very wrong if community amateur sports clubs and churches are facing hikes in their bills of several hundred per cent.
At the end of January Manchester, Chester and Liverpool dioceses jointly launched a 'Rain Tax' campaign on behalf of churches, charities and clubs. There is a dedicated website with free downloadable posters, and other information and resources: www.dontdrainus.org
One water company, United Utilities, has agreed a moratorium on new charges relating to certain organisations. Although faith buildings, community amateur sports clubs and Guide and Scout Association buildings are mentioned, it is not yet clear whether these arrangements will apply to all affected charitable, community and voluntary groups (eg village halls). However, it should be noted that this is a temporary freeze relating to one water company only, and does not affect the overarching regulatory or legislative position.
In the North East Northumbrian Water introduced the new charging regime in 2005 and since then, via an ecumenical effort in the region, heavy lobbying has continued against the new system, including letters to the Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water and the Prime Minister signed by the Anglican Bishops of Durham and Newcastle and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle. The water company has, however, stood firm. Now that the issue has been taken up in a concerted way at national level it is hoped that a change of heart on the part of the water companies will be seen. Any parishes that are suffering as a result of the new charges could write to their MPs. It would also be useful for the Diocesan Office to know the effects on those parishes.
Sadly, it looks as though all the lobbying of Parliament and the on-line petition has been ignored. But we must keep up the pressure on Government and Water Companies to change this approach to water charges.
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