EC warns water charges a symbol of ‘austerity fatigue’

The imposition of water charges has become a symbol of “austerity fatigue”, the European Commission said as a war of words continued to rage over the levy.

Brussels waded into the controversy in its latest report on the aftermath of the bailout, stating that questions remained over the implementation the highly contentious utility charge.

The commission stated that water charges had become a a focus for “public discontent and austerity fatigue in general.”