Lib Dem Candidate Attends Scout Association "Rain Tax" Rally
July 15, 2009 5:29 PM
Richard Burt talks with some of the Cub Scouts who attended the rally in Westminster Hall
Richard Burt today attended the national Scout Association rally and lobby of Parliament to stop a "rain tax" that could be devastating for many local community and voluntary groups across Worcestershire.
Richard joined around 200 cub scouts from all over the country who spoke to Speaker, John Bercow MP in Westminster Hall.
Under proposals that have been given the go-ahead by Ofwat, the water regulator, Severn Trent and other local water companies will be able to charge groups around £500 a year for draining the water that falls on their property.
In the North West, where the charge has been introduced already, one village hall saw its water bill rise from £54 to £2580. A Scout hut saw a rise from £40 to £563.
Richard said: "This rain tax is exactly the sort of barmy charge that should be stopped dead in its tracks as it could push many local voluntary groups such as Scout troops over the edge.
"It is difficult enough motivating volunteers now without saddling them with a fund-raising target before they open the Scout hut door.
"Ofwat must change their guidance before they do irreparable damage to the voluntary, faith, community and youth groups that make such difference to our area. We need to encourage community activity, not penalise it."
The Scout Association is calling for an immediate end to the issuing of bills charged using this surface water tariff for community and voluntary groups; a social tariff to make water charges affordable; and a reform of Ofwat's remit to give them a duty to make water affordable to community groups.
Richard is a former Troop Leader and keen supporter of the Scouting movement.
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