Sinn Féin's water charge challenge to DUP

The swift resumption of power sharing at Stormont is the only way to reverse water reforms in the North, it was claimed today.

Sinn Féin regional development spokesperson, Raymond McCartney said the Democratic Unionist Party could stop water charges and the creation of a (British) government-owned company by forming a devolved administration.

And the Foyle Assembly member also expressed concern that profits could be put before employees’ pensions, salaries and working conditions in the new (British) government-owned company.

“Sinn Féin warned when the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative was unveiled by (former Ulster Unionist leader) David Trimble, (SDLP leader) Mark Durkan and (Chancellor of the Exchequer) Gordon Brown that it would open the way for a huge increase in taxes,” he said.

“When British Direct Rule ministers announced their plans to impose water charges we warned that this double taxation would pave the way for privatisation.

“It is clear today that the only way we sort this mess out is when we get locally accountale ministers sitting in a power sharing executive.

“The DUP cannot credibl criticise any British direct rule decision because it is the DUP and the DUP alone that are holding up the restoration of the institutions.

“They have no more excuses for not entering into a power sharing government.”

The Government’s 12-week consultation exercise on its draft Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order ended yesterday, with parties and trade unionists claiming it would pave the way for a back-door privatisation of water services.

Under the bill, the Water Service will be replaced by a (British) government-owned company.

Water charges are also set to be introduced next April.

Mr McCartney said the (British) government’s proposals had consistently ignored taxpayers’ contribution to public services for decades through the regional rates.

He also accused Northern Ireland Office ministers of forcing more people into poverty with their policies.

“No guarantees can be given as to the future shape, direction and ownership models of the Water Service,” the Foyle MLA said.

“Sinn Féin have stated that with the restoration of the political institutions, the water reform agenda would be immediately stalled to examine the bes possible way of ensuring that people are not paying twice for a service they are currently paying for.

“The cross party consensus on many of the socio-economic issues facing our communities shows that we can work together to reach solutions on behalf of the people who have chosen elected representatives here to work in their best interests.

“This is a direct challenge to the DUP, are they prepared to sit by and watch British direct rule ministers force unfair water charges and rising rates bills on households here, without taking any responsibility?

“I am also very concerned that despite the efforts of trade union representations and delegations, current pension, salary, grading and working conditions generally will be dictated by serving a profit-making service rather putting the public need at its core.

“The essence of the draft order makes provision for no meaningful regulatory and independent oversight mechanism.”