BURT TO BACK SCOUTS CAMPAIGN AGAIN 'RAIN TAX' ON ST SWITHUN'S DAY
July 6, 2009 11:14 AM
Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt will attend an All Party Parliamentary Scout Group meeting in Westminster on St Swithun's Day, 15th July, to lobby for a 'rain tax' exemption for the Scout Association. The tax would otherwise see individual Groups in Solihull faced with crippling water bills levied at the same rate as major companies.
Mrs Burt wrote to the Chief Executive of Ofwat earlier this year in support of the Scout Association campaign to ditch the unfair charges and also signed a cross-party motion in Westminster calling for a review.
Surface water drainage charges are levied in the same manner for a Sainsbury's superstore as they are for a local scout hut. Many other voluntary, sports and charity groups are also adversely affected.
Lorely Burt said:
"Ofwat has so far refused proposals for water companies to introduce a 'social tariff' to help voluntary groups like Scouts, leaving many in real hardship because they are forced to pay charges at a commercial rate.
"There is strong parliamentary concern about the impact of current proposals to change the way in which water companies charge for drainage services.
"The change in the method of charging means that for Scout groups, 25% of their funds locally will go towards paying a water tax at the same rate as a large business. This is not only a concern for Scout Groups but also churches, village halls and sports clubs who will also face this increase in their water bills.
"On the same day there will also be the first ever mass Scout lobby of parliament in support of this campaign. Time is running out to protect Scout groups, rugby football clubs and sports clubs and faith groups in Solihull from the negative impact of this regulatory action. I hope Ofwat will finally see sense before it is too late."
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