Small charities, churches and voluntary organisations will continue to be exempt from paying water charges, Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson confirmed today.

Mr Stevenson was announcing the Government's principles of charging for 2010-2014, which will guide the Water Industry Commission for Scotland's future determination of water service charge levels.

The Minister said: "Scottish Water is making significant improvements to water services while delivering efficiency savings to all its customers. Average household charges are lower than in England and Wales and on average, customers' bills have not risen in real terms since 2006.

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"I believe that the current framework of stable and affordable charges is fundamental to a successful water industry. It is a priority for the industry to continue to deliver affordable prices while improving levels of service."

Mr Stevenson said a strong case for retaining the exemption scheme was made by voluntary sector organisations and church groups during our recent consultation and we have listened to those views.

Small charities, churches and voluntary organisations that meet the exemption scheme criteria will continue to be exempt from paying for their water services charges until 2014.

"The principles of charging set by Scottish Ministers for any given period are essential to ensuring that Scottish Water can continue to be successful and maintain its significant contribution to the Government's strategic objectives for Scotland.

"Ministers have issued draft principles today and will review and finalise these principles in September 2009 following the publication of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland's draft charges determination for the 2010-14 regulatory period," he concluded.

(GK/JM)