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Andrew StunellWorking hard for Bredbury, Compstall, Great Moor, Hawk Green, Hazel Grove, Heaviley, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor, Offerton, Romiley, Rose Hill, Strines & Woodley since 1997 |
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LOCAL MP BACKS SCOUT CAMPAIGN TO STOP THE "RAIN TAX"
July 21, 2009 12:15 PM
Andrew Stunell MP wants to axe the "Rain Tax"
Stockport's Scout groups, churches and sport clubs are up in arms about huge rises in drainage charges imposed by United Utilities. Now Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell has joined with scout groups who went to Westminster from across the country last week to press for the new scheme to be scrapped.
Dubbed the "rain tax" by angry community groups the new charges threaten to devastate for many local community and voluntary groups across Greater Manchester.
In the North West, United Utilities have pushed up charges steeply, with one village hall facing a rise from £54 to £2,580 a year. A Scout hut saw a rise from £40 to £563. Now, Mr Stunell, who joined over 200 cub scouts from all over the country in Parliament last week to lobby the government, is calling for the rain tax to be axed.
Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:
"The rain tax is exactly the sort of barmy charge that should be stopped dead in its tracks as it could push many local voluntary groups such as Scout troops over the financial edge.
"There has been such a wave of protest that United Utilities have now agreed to freeze this year's charges. Now Ofwat must change their guidance before they do irreparable damage to the voluntary, faith, youth and community groups that make such difference to our area. We need to encourage community activity, not penalise it."
ENDS
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