Church in 900% water charge hike

A church is facing a 900% hike in its water bills because of changes in the way buildings are charged for drainage.

Hundreds of people have signed an online petition in protest at the effect the changes will have on St Luke's Church in Thornaby, Teesside.

Charities and churches currently have exemptions and relief from "run-off" charges, but it is proposed they will be removed from 2010.

Industry regulator Ofwat has been urged to intervene.

Under the new rules churches and charities will be treated the same as businesses and will face the additional burden of having to pay full charges.

Charging regime

David Boddy, church warden of St Luke's said: "I cannot understand why churches should be targeted in this way.

"It is not our fault we have inherited such large buildings and we struggle to maintain them as they are."

Last year, the large Victorian church paid less than £70 for its water and sewage, after six months on the new charging regime, that will go up to around £600, according to Northumbrian Water, which provides services for the area.

A company spokeswoman said the new charges were being rolled out nationally, and are supported by Ofwat because it is deemed fairer.

She said: "The new method of charging reflects the surface water drainage services customers receive, some customers will be paying less for their surface water drainage services and some will be paying more.

Ofwat said churches should reduce bills by reducing run-off from roofs into the sewage system, and recommended allowing water to be soaked up by the graveyard.

Ofwat is due to meet representatives from all British churches to discuss the matter this week.