Northern Ireland News - Water charges ‘essential’ says Pearson

05 April 2005

Water charges ‘essential’ says Pearson

No-one likes to pay taxes, but water charges are essential if we want better public services in Northern Ireland, Finance Minister Ian Pearson said today.

The Minister was setting out his views on the financial aspects of the introduction of domestic water charging saying it was important that the public “has a clear understanding about why the Government is proposing the introduction of water charges”.

"I realise that no-one wants to pay increased taxes, but if we are serious about improving our schools, health service and transport infrastructure, then water charges are essential to release the funding we need,” Mr Pearson said. “The debate now should be about how to introduce water charges in the fairest way possible, not whether they are needed.”

However, Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy accused Mr Pearson of “blatant dishonesty” and rejected claims that water charges are “essential and fair”.

“Ian Pearson can’t seem to stop himself from being dishonest about water charging,” Mr Molloy said. “The truth is that there is nothing essential about a separate water charge.

“There is nothing in the EU Water directive that demands it and there is no evidence to suggest that it will lead to improved investment or improved services.”

Under Government plans already announced, the average household in Northern Ireland will be expected to pay £115 from April 2006, rising to £340 in 2008.

(MB)