Alliance refuses to back water reform 'done deal'

The Alliance Party has branded the Government's 'Reform of Water and Sewerage Services in Northern Ireland' consultation process, which ends today, a farce.

Finance Spokesperson Seamus Close said his party had written to new DRD Minister John Spellar to say that Alliance would not be giving the Government's consultation process any credibility by responding to a 'done deal'.

According to NIO Minister Angela Smith water charges will enable the Government to invest over £300 million more in public services every year.

However, the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) argue that such measures could result in a loss of a many as 600 jobs if current proposals are introduced.

Mr Close also criticised the Government's current proposals saying that the Northern Ireland public could not afford such charges with local households paying 26% more for fuel, light and power than in the rest of UK and an average NI household income of 19% below the UK norm.

Mr Close said: "While there is an opportunity here for the new regional development minister to take a fresh and untainted look at this issue, I fear the Government's so-called consultation exercise on water reform has been a done deal from day one.

"The drip-feed of lies and propaganda that has been used to promote unfair water charges has left the Government with zero credibility on the issue.

"One minute it says we don't pay for water, the next it does; one minute it says that metering has been ruled out, the next it hasn't. The NIO has been drowning in a whirlpool of its own spin since it started this disingenuous process.

"There is no denying the need for better water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, but the Government has yet to face up to the fact that it is responsible for decades of under-investment."

Today's deadline marks the end of a three month consultation period for the Government's water proposals which it says will benefit Northern Ireland's numerous public services including schools, roads and hospitals.

The consultation paper was launched on 11 March seeking views on the most appropriate basis for charging for water and sewerage services, including a fixed rate, based on property value and metering.

(MB)