Stevenson Urges Local Businesses to Have Their Say on Water Charges

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, is encouraging local property owners and businesses to give their views on plans to introduce water, drainage and sewerage charges for owners of empty business properties.

Currently, owners of empty properties pay no water, sewerage or drainage charges, and the cost of service provision is met by other customers. The Scottish Government has launched a full consultation on the planned changes.

Mr Stevenson said:

“The Scottish Government appreciates that businesses - just like families - face a squeeze on their budgets and there is a drive to make sure that the costs of doing business are kept as low as possible.

“It is also important to make the charging system fair for everyone where all business properties should pay for the water, sewerage and drainage services they receive.

“All additional money raised by removing the exemption on unoccupied business properties will be used to keep charges down for all business customers.”

All those affected especially property owners and business customers who are currently covering the cost of exemptions, are encouraged to express their views.

The full consultation can be accessed at:

http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/05/6843

and is open from 18th May to 10th August.