The voluntary sector today gave a cautious welcome to the Scottish Governments determination to continue its Water Rates Exemption for the voluntary sector. The exemption will continue the current scheme until 2014, giving relief to the many voluntary organisations and charities that would have found it impossible to pay water charges. Voluntary organisations are, though, concerned that the scheme may remain very complex.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations has written to the Minister to ask for a meeting about what steps will be taken to simplify the scheme. SCVO believes that the exemption should apply to all voluntary organisations that are registered as charities. SCVO Deputy Chief Executive Lucy McTernan said: "We are delighted that the Government is intending to extend the exemption for voluntary organisations for another 4 years. However, the scheme could easily be made more cost effective, better and less bureaucratic. We hope Ministers will take this opportunity to ensure the scheme becomes more accessible."

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Scottish Government Principles of Charging:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/05/poc2010-14draftstatement