Huw Irranca-Davies, MP for Ogmore, has intervened to stop an unfair ‘rain tax’ being imposed upon churches, scouts and community groups in his role as Minister in the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Community groups have been up-in-arms over a new water charging regime imposed by a water company in England, which threatened to put many small Scouts groups, sports clubs and churches out of business. These organisations were afraid that this would spread to other parts of England and Wales.

Over the last year, the Scout Associations’ campaign to ‘Stop the Rain Tax’ has gained significant momentum and the Ogmore MP is delighted that he was able to assist, as Minister, in delivering the positive outcome that they, and others, were looking for.

Huw said: “We want to avoid a situation where unaffordable price increases threaten the survival of scout clubs, churches and sports’ clubs. These organisations are at the very heart of our communities, and I made clear that I would fix it."

"I will bring forward legislation to allow concessionary schemes to operate for these community groups where surface water drainage charges operate. As a result, groups in Ogmore, such as the Third Maesteg Scout Group, will be able to continue to provide the services that we all appreciate and that add tremendous value to our everyday lives.”