BURT RALLIES TO SUPPORT SCOUTS CAMPAIGN AGAINST 'RAIN TAX' ON ST. SWITHUN'S DAY! (West Bromwich and Warley Liberal Democrats)

West Bromwich and Warley Liberal Democrats <info@westbromwichandwarleylibdems.org.uk>

BURT RALLIES TO SUPPORT SCOUTS CAMPAIGN AGAINST 'RAIN TAX' ON ST. SWITHUN'S DAY!

July 6, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt hopes to join the first ever mass rally of Parliament by the Scouts Association on St Swithun's Day, 15th July.

The rally is planned to coincide with a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Scout Group lobbying for a 'rain tax' exemption for the Scout Association and for other community and faith groups.

The 'rain tax', for surface water drainage charges, would otherwise be levied in the same manner for a Sainsbury's superstore as they are for a local scout hut. Many other voluntary, sports and charity groups are also adversely affected.

Richard Burt, a former scout and Troop Leader said:

"Ofwat has so far refused proposals for water companies to introduce a social tariff to help voluntary groups like Scouts, leaving many in real hardship because they are forced to pay charges at a commercial rate.

"The change in the method of charging means that for Scout groups, 25% of their funds locally will go towards paying a water tax at the same rate as a large business. This is not only a concern for Scout Groups but also churches, village halls and sports clubs across Worcestershire who will also face this increase in their water bills.

"Time is running out to protect these groups from the negative impact of regulatory action. I hope Ofwat will finally see sense before it is too late."