Small Scottish charities still exempt from water rates 2

Finance | Gareth Jones | 3 Jun 2008

The Scottish government has agreed to maintain a longstanding exemption on water rates for small charities.

The Small Organisation Exemption Scheme, the principles of which date back 25 years and which was due to expire in 2010, will remain in place until 2014.

The scheme is applicable to those charities with an income of less than £55,000 operating non-licensed premises.

Some 2,248 charities, churches and individuals signed a petition earlier this year calling for an extension on the basis that their premises are widely used by individuals and community bodies at little or no cost to the user.

Announcing the Scottish government’s principles of water charging for the 2010-14 regulatory period, infrastructure minister Stewart Stevenson said: “A strong case for retaining the exemption scheme was made by voluntary sector organisations and church groups during our recent consultation and we have listened to those views.

“Consequently, those small charities, churches and voluntary organisations that meet the exemption scheme criteria will continue to be exempt from paying for their water services charges until 2014.”

Scheme ‘should be simpler’

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) responded by requesting a meeting with Stevenson to discuss simplifying the scheme.

It also stated its belief that the exemption should be extended to cover all registered charities.

“The scheme could easily be made more cost effective, better and less bureaucratic,” said SCVO deputy chief executive Lucy McTernan.

“We hope ministers will take this opportunity to ensure the scheme becomes more accessible.”

Who's Who: Gareth Jones

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Collin Ramsay
Treasurer
Limefield United Free Church
10 Jun 2008

We have never been exempt for paying water rates. Can you help, as we are a registered charity?

[Reply]

Charles Marshall
Fundraising and development manager
Scottish Seabird Centre
4 Jun 2008

As a charity whose income relies heavily upon catering and retail, we use a great deal of water, currently costing us Â£400 p.m: a significant hit. I question the 'non-licensed premises' requirement and the Â£55,000 limit. Merely because a charity has a relatively large turnover does not mean it is wealthy.

[Reply]

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