People Before Profit Press Release Water Charges an Outrageous Imposition on Struggling Families The Commission for Energy Regulation have announced the rates for water charges from the 1st of October. The estimated average charge for an average household is €278 a year – already €38 higher than the maximum estimate given by the government before the Local and European elections. This disgraceful charge includes a cut in the promised “free allocation” of 31000 litres per child to 21000 litres per child and only applies to children under 16. No additional allowances have been made for the unemployed, the elderly or those with disabilities and special medical needs – they must pay exactly the same as other households. These charges are only the tip of the iceberg and have absolutely nothing to do with conservation of water – Irish Water have committed to “full cost recovery” and so any reduction in water use will see these charges rise. Charges will also rise as the Government cut their subvention to Irish water. Cllr Brid Smith of People Before Profit said “These charges are an outrageous imposition on already struggling families. Even with charges temporarily capped at the assessed charge rates no allowances have been made for people’s ability to pay or for those such as the elderly, the disabled or people with medical needs. The charges announced are the thin end of the wedge and will continue to increase as Irish Water pursues a policy of full cost recovery. We already pay for our water through general taxation and these charges amount to double taxation, they are yet another way for the government to push the burden of the financial crisis onto the shoulders of ordinary people who had no part in creating the crisis.”People Will Resist Cllr. Smith continued “People will not accept yet another charge at a time when they are already suffering from high unemployment, falling wages and a raft of austerity charges and service cuts. People Before Profit will be at the heart of helping to build resistance to these charges throughout the country. We need a mass movement of people power to tell the Government Enough is Enough!” Contact: Cllr Brid Smith 087 909 0166
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 16:49:01 +0000
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