Consultation tracker

Traditionally, charities and those who operated community buildings such as village halls were not charged for disposal of the surface water that runs into sewers from their buildings at the same rate as privately owned or commercial premises because drainage charges were linked to rateable value and charities and community facilities did not pay full rates.

In 2003, however, Ofwat (the water charges regulator) decided that this exemption should end, on the grounds that it was unfair to discriminate between different types of customer.

Ofwat has given the water companies until 2010 to start charging all users for the disposal of water from their properties through public sewers. These charges have already been levied by Northumbrian Water, Severn-Trent Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water and are adversely affecting charities, community amateur sports club, non-profit organisations and churches.

The Church of England for instance estimates that for its churches alone, if all are to be treated like any other non-household customer, the total is likely to be a around £5 million but could be very much higher. Churches using the public sewers will also be liable for highways drainage contributions based on site area charging, but without any reduction for use of soakaways, meaning an additional estimated annual cost of around £10 million. For individual cathedrals the charges could be as high £10,000 each.

To know more about this issue and participate in our survey please look at the attached document.

If you wish to participate in our survey then please complete and return the survey to Mathieu (mathieu.mori@centrallobby.com) as soon as possible.