Brian Jenkins and Mr. Huw Irranca-Davies, the Parliamentary Undersectary at DEFRA

Brian Jenkins and Mr. Huw Irranca-Davies, the Parliamentary Undersectary at DEFRA

Tamworth MP, Brian Jenkins has claimed success in a campaign to end high water charges for community groups in Tamworth.

This step will mean that community groups like the Scouts, Churches and Amateur Sports Clubs will avoid steep rises in charges levied for service level water drainage, saving these community based organisations thousands of pounds.

Mr Brian Jenkins said:

“I know many in our area have been as worried as I have about the unaffordable increases in water bills that some scout groups, churches, amateur sports clubs and other organisations at the heart of our community have been facing following the switch to site area charging for surface water drainage by some water companies.

“I have made it absolutely clear that if the water companies weren’t able to come up with a way for voluntary organisations to pay reasonable bills then people would expect the government to step in.

“So today, I’m delighted to learn this Government will change the law so these voluntary organisations do not have to face the disproportionate and unaffordable increases in their bills that had been threatened by some water companies.

“From next year a change in the law will permit Severn Trent Water to establish concessions for groups that are at the heart of the community in Tamworth, reducing the amount they pay for surface water drainage.”