Alliance annoyed that water error will lead to massive increase in tap tax

3.04.00pm GMT Fri 22nd Feb 2008

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has stated that the mistake made regarding water costs will mean that the Executive will place an increased tap tax on local people. Trevor Lunn blasted NI Water and the Executive for not seeing this mistake earlier. His comments come after it emerged that mistakes in calculating water costs will result in bills being 15% higher than originally expected.

The Lagan Valley MLA said: "This mistake will hit householders very hard. They will have to pay 15% more than they previously expected. How come NI Water and the Executive did not spot this massive mistake earlier?

"So much for a fair system! This error shows that people are right to be suspicious about the Executive and are right to be cynical about their ability to deliver for Northern Ireland.

"The reasons for this dreadful error will not wash with local people. There are a number of important questions that NI Water and the Executive must answer regarding this sorry saga.

"I am sure that the Executive will soon be drowning in a sea of excuses over this awful mistake.

"Why does it seem that local people will never get a fair deal out of this Executive on water?"

ENDS