Opposition to Water Charges recognised by Government - Cree
North Down MLA Leslie Cree, today stated, “I am pleased that Government has at last recognised that the people of Northern Ireland were opposed to the imposition of their proposals on water charges.”
At a meeting in Hillsborough on Monday (12 March), the four main political parties pressed the Secretary of State to defer the water charges planned for 1 April 2007.
Mr Cree UUP Chief spokesman for Regional Development said, “It was good to see progress being made in this very controversial subject which has been a major concern for ratepayers in Northern Ireland.”
He continued, “ I firmly believe that basing water charges on the valuation of a home is ridiculous. It bears no relation on ability to pay and does not encourage economy in the use of water. We already pay for water through the regional rates and should not be asked to pay twice.”
In conclusion the politician said “ I am optimistic that the Government will put a hold on the implementation of additional water charges until the new Assembly has had an opportunity to decide on a more equitable way to improve our water and sewerage facilities within the next year. I will continue to lobby for this outcome.”