NEW WATER CHARGES AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR

That this House notes with concern that the imposition of new surface water drainage charges comes at the worst possible time for the voluntary sector, ranging from churches to sports clubs to local scout and guide huts, many of which are already suffering from a fall in donation income and investment income as a result of the crisis in the economy; regrets what is yet another sign of the Government's failure to appreciate the vital role of faith-based and voluntary sector organisations to our communities; and calls for the implementation of these new charges to be delayed until a proper assessment of their impact has been made.