Scottish Bishops voice concerns over proposed changes to water charges

In a response to the Scottish Government's consultation on water charges, the Bishops' Conference of Scotland have released the following statement; "We are extremely concerned by recent proposals to remove the relief from water charges which charities currently enjoy. Churches and other charitable organisations in Scotland provide many pastoral, social and community services that are of immense benefit to Scottish society. One of the reasons they are able to do so is that they are exempt from water charges. Removing this provision from the charitable sector would have many disadvantages and could undermine the core activities, which greatly benefit many local communities. We urge the Scottish Parliament not to remove this provision and to allow Scotland's churches to continue to provide the social capital, which enhances our national life in so many ways."