VOLUNTARY groups in mid Cheshire can rest easy now a controversial ‘Rain Tax’ has gone down the plughole, for the time being at least.

United Utilities imposed the charge for the cost of treating rainwater run off from buildings owned by voluntary groups, including churches.

But Mike Hall MP has introduced a Private Members Bill to Parliament to exempt places of worship, non-profit making sports clubs, Scout groups and Guide associations from surface water drainage charges.

The Weaver Vale MP said: “I am delighted the Government is bringing forward legislation to ensure the voluntary groups will not face steep increases in the price they have to pay for surface water drainage.”

The controversial plans by the water companies have sparked reaction with the ‘Stop the Rain Tax’ campaign set up by Cub Scouts, members of the Church of England and the Rugby Football Union.

Last year, the Guardian reported the rise in ‘Rain Tax’ from £60 to £180 last year, for St Stephen’s Church, in Moulton, but eventually United Utilities agreed it should not pay the charges.

Mr Hall met with Ofwat, community leaders and Huw Irranca-Davies MP to give his full support and find a solution for the problem.

Following the meeting, United Utilities brought in a temporary suspension of surface water drainage fees. Unfortunately they were unable to find an complete answer to the problem and are contemplating restoring the charges in 2010.

The Government has accepted that legislation is required to settle the issue and enable the water companies to bring in concessionary rates for voluntary groups, adopting Mike Hall’s Bill Huw Irranca-Davies MP, said: “I pay tribute to Mike Hall for his excellent work in Parliament to bring an end to unaffordable surface water drainage charges for organisations like Scout groups, churches and community sports halls.”