Menu
28/04/2011
'What A Relief' As Water Rise Pegged
Businesses in NI won't face huge hikes in their water rates after the Water and the Utility Regulator agreed an annual review of charges to metered customers at just 4% more for combined water and sewerage services.
Non-domestic unmeasured customers will pay 3.5% more, despite retail price inflation running currently at around 5.3%.
Liam Mulholland, Interim Head of Customer Services at NI Water, said: "Whilst these increases are unavoidable, we are very conscious that these are difficult economic times for our customers. We have, therefore, gained agreement to limit any tariff increases to less than inflation."
He also said that information leaflets have been mailed to Northern Ireland's 90,000 non-domestic customers explaining the rises and adverts outlining the changes have run in daily newspapers.
NI Water is one year into its first price review, under which the regulator set a scheme of charges for 2010-13.
Last December, then Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said there are no plans for water charges for domestic users over the next four years.
The pledge was part of the budget that Mr Wilson presented to MLAs at Stormont for approval.
Meanwhile, as the May Assembly election looms, the Alliance Party has committed to bringing water charges to the province, while the UK Independence Party (UKIP) are fundamentally opposed to the introduction of water charges.
UKIP NI Chairman and South Down Assembly candidate Henry Reilly said: "In these tough economic times the last thing the people of Northern Ireland need is to be burdened by yet another expensive tax that they cannot afford.
"Rather than introducing water charges and yet more levels of bureaucracy we need to create an efficient water service which serves the needs of local people.
"The mismanagement of the water service in Northern Ireland over a period of years simply highlights why an effective voice of opposition is needed to hold Stormont to account," he said, this week.
(BMcC/GK)
Non-domestic unmeasured customers will pay 3.5% more, despite retail price inflation running currently at around 5.3%.
Liam Mulholland, Interim Head of Customer Services at NI Water, said: "Whilst these increases are unavoidable, we are very conscious that these are difficult economic times for our customers. We have, therefore, gained agreement to limit any tariff increases to less than inflation."
He also said that information leaflets have been mailed to Northern Ireland's 90,000 non-domestic customers explaining the rises and adverts outlining the changes have run in daily newspapers.
NI Water is one year into its first price review, under which the regulator set a scheme of charges for 2010-13.
Last December, then Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson said there are no plans for water charges for domestic users over the next four years.
The pledge was part of the budget that Mr Wilson presented to MLAs at Stormont for approval.
Meanwhile, as the May Assembly election looms, the Alliance Party has committed to bringing water charges to the province, while the UK Independence Party (UKIP) are fundamentally opposed to the introduction of water charges.
UKIP NI Chairman and South Down Assembly candidate Henry Reilly said: "In these tough economic times the last thing the people of Northern Ireland need is to be burdened by yet another expensive tax that they cannot afford.
"Rather than introducing water charges and yet more levels of bureaucracy we need to create an efficient water service which serves the needs of local people.
"The mismanagement of the water service in Northern Ireland over a period of years simply highlights why an effective voice of opposition is needed to hold Stormont to account," he said, this week.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2010
Builders 'Need Water Charges', Says RICS
A leading construction professional has reacted positively to this week's DUP policy document on dealing with Northern Ireland's financial crisis. However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges.
Builders 'Need Water Charges', Says RICS
A leading construction professional has reacted positively to this week's DUP policy document on dealing with Northern Ireland's financial crisis. However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges.
02 June 2011
Water Investment More Than 'Drip Feed'
The Republic of Ireland's continuing investment in improving its water services infrastructure - including the provision of €435 million being provided from the Exchequer this year to fund the ongoing investment in water services infrastructure - has been in focus.
Water Investment More Than 'Drip Feed'
The Republic of Ireland's continuing investment in improving its water services infrastructure - including the provision of €435 million being provided from the Exchequer this year to fund the ongoing investment in water services infrastructure - has been in focus.
05 March 2002
Glynwed Pipesystems pledge to invest further in Ireland
Birmingham-based company Glynwed Pipesystems have announced that they are to plough more investment into their operation in Ireland following a successful expansion programme. The company hopes to build on its recent success in the province and is set to announce the completion of its contract with the Northern Ireland Water Services department.
Glynwed Pipesystems pledge to invest further in Ireland
Birmingham-based company Glynwed Pipesystems have announced that they are to plough more investment into their operation in Ireland following a successful expansion programme. The company hopes to build on its recent success in the province and is set to announce the completion of its contract with the Northern Ireland Water Services department.
21 May 2010
NI Cuts 'Can Be Delayed', Says PM
The new PM David Cameron has confirmed that the NI Assembly can make its own mind up about when to implement impending financial cutbacks. Although he made clear that NI would have to shoulder its share of UK-wide cuts and said, "the longer the debt was left, the worse the problem becomes" it is now clear the cuts could be deferred for a year.
NI Cuts 'Can Be Delayed', Says PM
The new PM David Cameron has confirmed that the NI Assembly can make its own mind up about when to implement impending financial cutbacks. Although he made clear that NI would have to shoulder its share of UK-wide cuts and said, "the longer the debt was left, the worse the problem becomes" it is now clear the cuts could be deferred for a year.
04 April 2016
Water And Sewerage Charges Frozen
Water and sewerage charges are to be held at the 2015/16 levels from the beginning of April, NI Water has announced. The decision to freeze measured and non-domestic unmeasured tariffs will mean nearly 80,000 non-domestic customers will benefit from a 'real' reduction to their water and sewerage charge.
Water And Sewerage Charges Frozen
Water and sewerage charges are to be held at the 2015/16 levels from the beginning of April, NI Water has announced. The decision to freeze measured and non-domestic unmeasured tariffs will mean nearly 80,000 non-domestic customers will benefit from a 'real' reduction to their water and sewerage charge.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
