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08/12/2023
Proposed Introduction Of Water And Sewerage Charges
The Department for Infrastructure has announced the launch of a new public consultation on the potential introduction of water and sewerage charges.
The consultation follows direction from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, in September 2023, for Northern Ireland Departments to launch public consultations on measures to support budget sustainability and raise additional revenue.
The consultation, which has had its content approved by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland provides an overview of potential water and sewerage charging revenue raising options which could be introduced in Northern Ireland, with a focus on those areas which would offer greatest value in helping to address the unsustainability of public finances.
It sets out and seeks views on the main pathways through which water and sewerage charging could be introduced, how a relief scheme to protect vulnerable people might be developed, and how charging might be billed and collected.
It also asks about three other revenue raising options: the removal of the domestic allowance for non-domestic customers; charging customers for domestic septic tank desludging; and recovering the cost of roads drainage from all customers.
The consultation document with full details of the options and how to provide your views is here.
The consultation begins today and will run for 14 weeks from 7 December 2023, closing on 13 March 2024.
The consultation follows direction from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, in September 2023, for Northern Ireland Departments to launch public consultations on measures to support budget sustainability and raise additional revenue.
The consultation, which has had its content approved by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland provides an overview of potential water and sewerage charging revenue raising options which could be introduced in Northern Ireland, with a focus on those areas which would offer greatest value in helping to address the unsustainability of public finances.
It sets out and seeks views on the main pathways through which water and sewerage charging could be introduced, how a relief scheme to protect vulnerable people might be developed, and how charging might be billed and collected.
It also asks about three other revenue raising options: the removal of the domestic allowance for non-domestic customers; charging customers for domestic septic tank desludging; and recovering the cost of roads drainage from all customers.
The consultation document with full details of the options and how to provide your views is here.
The consultation begins today and will run for 14 weeks from 7 December 2023, closing on 13 March 2024.
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21 January 2003
Water service reform needed says NIO Minister
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Water service reform needed says NIO Minister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Angela Smith has said that the current arrangements for water and sewerage delivery would have to be reformed to ensure that future water charges are fair and affordable.
07 October 2003
Spellar confirms water charges for 2006
Regional Development Minister, John Spellar has said that while Northern Ireland's water service will not become privatised, however he stated that water charges will be introduced in 2006 despite local opposition to the plan.
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Regional Development Minister, John Spellar has said that while Northern Ireland's water service will not become privatised, however he stated that water charges will be introduced in 2006 despite local opposition to the plan.
03 July 2003
Minister stands firm on water reforms
Minister of State John Spellar has told those opposed to the introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland they are fighting a losing battle. The Minister took his stance after he revealed that nearly 90 organisations and almost 700 members of the public have submitted responses to the Water Reform consultation process.
Minister stands firm on water reforms
Minister of State John Spellar has told those opposed to the introduction of water charges in Northern Ireland they are fighting a losing battle. The Minister took his stance after he revealed that nearly 90 organisations and almost 700 members of the public have submitted responses to the Water Reform consultation process.
29 May 2003
Water charges will enable £300m investment in services
When fully introduced, water charges will enable the Government to invest over £300 million more in public services every year. This was the message from Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Angela Smith who was speaking following yesterday's meeting between union members and Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street.
Water charges will enable £300m investment in services
When fully introduced, water charges will enable the Government to invest over £300 million more in public services every year. This was the message from Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Angela Smith who was speaking following yesterday's meeting between union members and Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street.
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Builders 'Need Water Charges', Says RICS
A leading construction professional has reacted positively to this week's DUP policy document on dealing with Northern Ireland's financial crisis. However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges.
Builders 'Need Water Charges', Says RICS
A leading construction professional has reacted positively to this week's DUP policy document on dealing with Northern Ireland's financial crisis. However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges.
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