PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns said churches across the north should not receive water bills if charging is extended to all non-domestic premises.  

Mr Burns said such bills were completely unreasonable and has urged churches, charities and voluntary groups to voice their concern to Conor Murphy, the Sinn Fein Minister for Regional Development.

He said: "The SDLP have been approached by church representatives who are concerned that they are facing bills for hundreds of pounds with the prospect that the bill will double next year.

“This extension of charging to all non-domestic premises, irrespective of whether they run a business or not, was part of the privatisation agenda of the Direct Rulers.

“The plan was taken over by Conor Murphy who decided this extension should be charged at 50 percent this year but he intends that it will go to the full 100 percent next year.

“These water charges that have been introduced amount to £500 and they are completely unreasonable.

“Parishioners already carry a heavy burden for the up-keep and needs of their churches and they don't need this.

“These very same parishioners are already facing a Murphy tax on water in their own homes so this will be a double whammy.

“Times are tough enough with the ongoing credit crunch and soaring fuel and energy prices soaring without Sinn Fein adding this further unacceptable burden.

“It seems totally wrong that non-commercial premises which qualify for rates relief should be subjected to a heavy new water tax. The Scottish parliament has voted in an exemption for churches, charities and voluntary bodies and we should be doing the same. Not just privatisation, but the whole privatisation set-up that was imported from England and is causing so much trouble there should be ruled out here.  

“The SDLP has put down a series of questions to the Minister about this whole sorry mess. Churches, charities and the voluntary sector should write to Conor Murphy and lobby as their counterparts did successfully in Scotland.

“The SDLP prides itself on our manifesto commitments.

“These pledges have given us our mandate and unlike other parties we can look people in the eye and tell them an SDLP promise actually means something.

“That is why our Assembly team voted against a flawed Programme for Government and Budget.

“It is why unlike other parties such as Sinn Fein and the DUP we will continue to oppose water charges.”

ENDS

12.06.08