Campaign reaches boiling pointToday, the anti-‘rain tax’ campaign is set to reach boiling point as General Synod, the Church of England’s parliament, debates the water charges at Westminster. To mark the occasion campaign umbrellas, a new anti Ofwat poster, and campaign videos attacking Ofwat have been released. The Chairman of Ofwat will be present at the debate as he is a member of the Synod. Also present will be a number of MPs, fellow ‘rain tax’ campaigners including representatives from sports clubs, scouts and churches across the UK. Questions are expected to be asked at Prime Minsters Questions, sports clubs are planning more action, as are Village Hall associations. The Downing Street petition against the ‘rain tax’ is the most popular with over 41,000 signatures. Umbrellas Rain Tax campaigners, DontDrainUs.org, have sent umbrellas to the Chairman of Ofwat, the Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Environment and the CEO’s of water companies, in protest over the ‘rain tax’ which is set to drain £100 million from Churches, charities, schools and clubs. The umbrellas have a message printed on them asking the recipient to “Don’t Drain Us”. A spokesperson for DontDrainUs.org said, “For over a year now we have been warning Government, Ofwat and the water companies about the drain the ‘rain tax’ is having on the work of churches, charities, schools and clubs. They all blame each other for the mess, which seems to mean that no one can sort it. In the mean time, churches, charities and clubs are planning to start cutting their work and reduce resources in order to pay £100 million worth of bills demanded by water companies for their shareholders. The umbrellas are gifts— a unique reminder of what damage they are doing to every community in the UK and a special plea not to drain us.” Video Rain Tax campaigners have also released video footage of protesters outside the Rolls Royce showroom in Knutsford-in the heart of the Shadow Chancellor’s constituency. The normally reserved Cheshire set reveal their anger at the unjust charges which will see their local parish church paying more than the multi million pound Rolls Royce dealership, where a Bentley sells for £380,000 (without extras). Speaking on the film, clergy and members of the public highlight the impact the ‘rain tax’ will have on their community- threatening buildings and community resources. Standing outside the showroom, in front of a giant crying baby anti ‘rain tax’ poster, Martin Dales, Church of England General Synod member, asks; “How is this fair Ofwat?”. A second film released today shows General Synod member Martin Dales, taking two giant 20 by 30 ft posters into United Utilities Head Quarters as startled staff look on. See video here. Debate The Chair of Ofwat, Mr Philip Fletcher, is due to speak at the Church of England’s Parliament on Wednesday 11 Feb, 2009. He will take part in a debate led by General Synod member Martin Dales. He is expected to explain explains why he is happy to see Church of England drained of £15 million a year by the ‘rain tax’ - enough cash to pay for 350 clergy. Ofwat has recently tired to blame United Utilities for the hostile reception of the ‘rain tax’. Ofwat said, “the new system has been poorly implemented by United Utilities. Specifically the company failed to communicate the fairness and environmental benefits of the new system. The company failed to take into account the impact upon the 2,000 faith buildings and 600 'not-for-profit' sports clubs in its area.” A spokesperson for DontDrainUs.org said, “How wrong can they be? The real reason for the negative reaction is against Ofwat’s failure to follow government advice not to class charities, churches and clubs and as factories when charging. “In a deal between Ofwat and United Utilities the new bills have been frozen at the new higher rate while spin doctors move to explain that it is a good thing for churches, charities and clubs to be drained of millions a year, while companies such as Rolls Royce and Vivienne Westwood see their bills reduce. St Ann’s Hospice, in Greater Manchester, recently identified that the new charges would pay for ten days worth of care to dying patients. Ofwat has also instructed water companies to offer advice on how customers can implement environmental improvements which could help them significantly reduce the amount they are charged for surface water drainage. Unlike businesses, churches, charities and clubs, cannot write the £600 million environmental improvement costs off against tax and do not have the resources to implement such a scheme. Martin will move a motion at the Synod, the Church of England’s parliament, on Wednesday 11th at 2.30 pm. His motion says, "That this Synod, concerned about the effect on many parishes of sudden, massive rises in water charges for churches, requests HM Government to remind OFWAT of its obligations to ensure that the water companies adhere to the clear guidance given by the Secretary of State for the Environment in 2000, which states that “there are many non-household users who are not businesses….including places of worship…. and it would be inappropriate to charge all non-household customers as if they were businesses.” |
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