Ofwat won’t listen- Join us on the 15 July to make sure our MPs do!
We want to invite you to the first ever Scout lobby of parliament on July 15. Why do we need to ask MPs to help us?
Because Ofwat, the water regulator, are trying to deny they are planning for a tax on rain.
Ofwat’s guidance will change the way Scouts have to pay for draining the rain that falls on their properties. In 2003 they told water companies to stop charging non domestic customers like us according to their council tax status and instead to base bills on the size of the property. Scout Groups are often exempted from council tax or pay reduced rates as charities. We also have many single storey buildings with large roof areas.
Because Ofwat try to deny they determine the cost of water bills.
Ofwat’s role as a regulator is to give permission for the prices water companies set for their services. They want them to charge everyone for water using the rain tax method - whether they are a supermarket or a Scout hut. Water companies who have tried to exempt community and voluntary groups from this have been refused permission to do so by Ofwat.
Because Ofwat say making sure Scout Groups can afford water isn’t their problem.
Ofwat describe their job as making sure “customers get a fair deal” and ensuring “bills are kept as low as possible”. Government guidance states Ofwat has a duty to ensure a “strong, healthy and just society”. Despite these obligations, Ofwat continues to avoid responsibility for the rain tax that will eat into funds for churches, sports clubs, village halls and Scout Groups across England and Wales.
Ofwat refuse to listen so we need our MPs hold them to account. You can help make this happen through these two simple actions:
1. Please encourage as many people as you can, family and friends to join our campaign. The more people who get involved, the stronger the message this will send to Ofwat and MPs that they need to stop the rain tax.
2. Join us on St Swithun’s Day, 15 July, at the House of Commons at the first ever Scout Lobby of parliament. Register to come and get updates on how to participate by emailing your postcode to water@scouts.org.uk.
Thank you for your help with this campaign – and hope to see you on the 15 July at the Houses of Parliament!
Stella, Kirsten and Semakaleng
The Scout Association Public Affairs and Campaign's Team
For full information about this visit the Stop The Rain Tax Campaign website
