Swann warns of Water Spin
Mr Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Spokesman on Social Economy, Energy and Consumer Affairs, has warned the community to be vary of ‘water spin’ simply because a top level report suggested they should not pay any additional water charges until 2009.
And Mr Swann, who is also a senior member of North Antrim Association Management Committee, added that he “at least welcomed the transparency” of the report into water charges produced by Professor Paddy Hillyard and his review group.
“While I would also welcome their suggestion to the Stormont Executive that Northern Ireland households should not pay any additional water charges until 2009, consumers must be vary not to get hooked on this water spin – they need to consider both the immediate and long-term futures.
“It must also be noted the report still wants to base water charges on capital value, which many in the community will regard as profoundly unfair.
“It is imperative that the Assembly urgently considers what the future will hold after 2009. As a community, we still have the original millstone hanging over us of the statement made by Direct Rule Minister John Spellar.
“He said – we estimate the average household charge is likely to be in the region of £315 to £415 per year. This statement has put water charges to the fore of many election manifestoes. MLAs must keep it to the fore for the sake of their constituents. It is essential that any increase after 2009 must be economically proven.
“My warning to the community is blunt – do not get caught up in the spin, as although bills will not be as high as we were told they were going to be, there will still be an additional expense.
“And all this is coming hard on the heels of the recent announcement by Northern Ireland Electricity of further price rises in November.
“We are not getting rapidly to the stage in Northern Ireland where every section of the community is under threat, and unfortunately, it is those who are the most vulnerable who will also suffer the most.
“I would call on the Stormont Executive to ensure it makes future proposals on water charges which are fair and affordable to all.
“Northern Ireland consumers should not have to pay twice, and should definitely not have to pay a penny more than is absolutely necessary. The Assembly needs to hold the Executive to account on this matter because if it doesn’t, the electorate will.
“In the meantime, we must welcome the transparency which the Hillyard report is proposing. The problem in the past has been a lack of openness and transparency from Direct Rule ministers, which damaged public confidence in any suggested changes.
“We need to have the supply of water and treatment of sewerage as a clearly identifiable section on the rates bills as this will remove concerns about openness, transparency and above all, fairness.
“To promote consumer confidence in any future water rates system, the Stormont Executive must also ensure the Water Service operates in a cost effective and efficient manner,” said Mr Swann.