21/11/2006

NI water charges could be in doubt

Plans to introduce water charges to Northern Ireland in April next year could be in doubt due to a setback at Belfast's High Court earlier today.

During the hearing, the General Consumer Council won a judicial review of the decision to bring in charges after it emerged that it had not been adequately consulted.

During today's hearing, the Judge, Mr Justice Weatherup said that he agreed with this and added that he believed that there should have been a proper consultation with the council before the legislation was laid before Parliament.

(EF)

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