Ministers may extend water relief to untaxed

Ministers have promised to examine extending discounts for water charges to over 198,000 low-income earners after it emerged they were not entitled to certain allowances or tax reliefs.

It has also emerged that another anomaly means some wealthy pensioners will be entitled to double discounts on their water charges, the Department of Finance has confirmed.

The Coalition pledged yesterday that any concerns about easing water charge costs for households would be examined in the Finance Bill next month which gives effect to budget measures.