Executive To Press PM For Water Charge Deferral

First Minister Peter Robinson has been urged to press Prime Minister Gordon Brown for a further deferment on water charges in the Province, when he visits Stormont next week.

Yesterday the Prime Minister failed to extend a UK fuel aid package to struggling Northern Ireland households. Local politicians now say Mr Brown will be asked to provide support in other ways.

The Executive's First Minister, Mr Robinson, last night pointed to a possible postponement of water charges in the Province, due to be introduced in the spring.

However, such a move would have to be given the green light by the central Treasury.

Infrastructure Minister Conor Murphy, who is tasked with implementing the controversial charges, has pledged to back calls for a suspension.

Mr Murphy said: "I think we have recognised that there is a significant downturn in the economic climate and people are facing very different circumstances, with rising fuel and food costs and the cost of living generally.

"I have been discussing with some Executive colleagues for the last while some propositions to try to mitigate against what we would need to collect for water.

"We have discussed a number of options but of course it is dependent on the Treasury - unfortunately, so much of what we do here depends on the Treasury."

Mr Murphy hinted at an initial one-year deferral, which could be progressed to a longer period.

"I think there has to be a recognition that people are facing even tougher times than when we were first forced to contemplate how we would gather up the money to pay for water and sewerage services," added the minister.

Ministers are also expected to lash-out continued talks on the divisive devolving of policing and justice to the Assembly during the PM's visit, and discuss a way forward after the controversial axing of the transfer procedure, commonly known as the 11 Plus.

(PR/JM)