Published: Monday, 17th March, 2008 16:30
Water rate cash fears
By Eric Baxter
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WATER PROBLEM: The Rev Alan Sorensen with Duncan McNeil in Wellpark Mid Kirk.
Pic by: George Munro
CHURCHES, youth organisations and other voluntary groups will be hit hard if they have to start paying water rates, a Church of Scotland minister warned today.
And an MSP said some groups — including sports and youth bodies — could go out of business.
The Scottish Government currently exempts these bodies from water rates, but this privilege is due to end in 2010. Now a national petition is on the go to persuade the Government to keep it going.
The Rev Alan Sorensen, of Greenock’s Wellpark Mid Kirk, said it might have to start charging community groups for the use of its church halls.
Mr Sorensen said: “The church is a huge building, but the only water we use in it is for the font to baptise babies.
“Our halls at the back of the church are used by dozens of community groups.
“If we suddenly have to start paying thousands of pounds in rates just because we make the odd cup of tea or use the toilet then we will have to start charging for the use of the halls.”
Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is calling on the Government to lift the threat of crippling water rates from these groups. He said the future of the exemption had been put into doubt following consultation by Government ministers.
Mr McNeil said: “The scheme was originally introduced to remove the burden of water charges on local charities, churches and organisations.
“The Government needs to back these bodies, who are making a real difference across our community.
“It needs to remove the threat of these charges hanging over groups’ heads and putting their future in doubt.”
“In Greenock alone, I have had representations from several churches who would struggle to find the cash if they were forced to pay these rates.”
A Government spokesman said: “Prior to the creation of Scottish Water, reliefs were granted by the former water authorities to certain water customers on a discretionary basis.
“These were removed in the interests of fair and sustainable charging.
“The previous administration introduced a temporary exemption scheme to 2010 to help organisations with modest financial resources adjust to the withdrawal.
“Ministers are currently considering responses and will shortly announce what future form, if any, the exemption scheme will take.”
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