Many scout troops, guides, churches and community sports clubs have seen their water charges go through the roof as a result of changes proposed by United Utilities, because they been assessed as if they were businesses. This is really unfair on the clubs as many only exist as a result of the enormous efforts put in by volunteers who give their time for free to help our young people.

I have taken up this issue on behalf of the de la Salle Sports and Social Club, and have written to Ofwat and United Utilities demanding they reverse this disgraceful decision to get them to change their minds. I am hopeful that a better scheme will be out in the next few weeks and I shall be pressing the Government Minister responsible to make sure it is fair to our community groups all over the country.