Vince Cable

Local scout groups were represented at a Westminster protest - supported by MPs Vincent Cable and Susan Kramer - over a threatened 'rain tax': a surcharge of roughly £500 a year on scout groups and other voluntary groups by water companies. The water companies - led by United Utilities in the North West are pressing ahead with a new tariff (site area drainage) designed to penalise water users for run-off which is bringing pressure to bear on sewage systems. It will apply to scout huts as much as to other buildings. There is a row between ministers, water companies and the regulator, Ofwat, over who is responsible; but, as it stands, the scout movement is one of the potential casualties.

Vincent Cable said: "there is very strong feeling in the scout movement that this looming charge will do serious damage, superimposed on all the other costs which scouts and other voluntary bodies now have to gear. At present this "rain tax" is not being inspired by Thames Water but if the policy is not reversed by Ofwat it soon will be. The scout movement is putting up a strong resistance and I fully support them".