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Kirsty Williams supports the Scout Association's 'Stop the Rain Tax' campaign
July 30, 2009 5:00 PM
Kirsty with RadnorShire Scouts at the Assembly
Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire is supporting The Scout Association's 'Stop the Rain Tax' campaign by opposing guidance from Ofwat which could lead to crippling increases in water bills for Scout Groups.
Under the proposals put forward by water regulator Ofwat on how to charge for surface water run off, Scout Association properties, along with those used by community and voluntary groups and places of worship, will face huge increases in their water bills. Groups have reported an increase in water costs of between £60 and £600 a year. This represents between 1% and 25% of their overall budgets.
The proposals have already been introduced in some parts of England and Wales and have lead to instances of increases in bills by over £500 per year. The Scout Association expects that the charges may cost £1.5million a year to the movement.
Kirsty Williams said:" The financial impact Ofwat's proposals will have on small charities and community groups are worrying. These groups often have small incomes gained from fund-raising and members' subscriptions and cannot withstand such high increases in charges. This could threaten their very existence.
"Groups like the Scouts play an essential part in our local communities, encouraging young people to be active, social and involved in their community . I hope that these proposals will be reconsidered, to safeguard the future of the many charities and community groups that do such valuable work across Wales."
Notes:
More information can be found at http://scouts.org.uk/water
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