Water and Sewerage Charges Exemption Scheme is open for applications

Charities and amateur sports clubs are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of water and sewerage rates exemptions.

Since 2015, the Water and Sewerage Charges Exemption Scheme has helped more than 7,700 charities and amateur sports clubs to save around £4 million every year.

Organisations must apply each year to the scheme.

The scheme means eligible charities registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, as well as community amateur sports clubs with an income of less than £200,000, do not need to pay water and sewerage charges.

Those with incomes between £200,000 and £300,000 will pay a reduced rate.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said:

“Charities and amateur sports clubs play a vital role within communities across Scotland. It is therefore important that they are supported.

“This scheme means that eligible charities and community sports clubs can keep more of the money they raise to invest in the valuable services they provide. As such, I urge all charities and sports clubs to check their eligibility and apply as soon as they can.

“In addition, the 2016-17 scheme is still open to new applications until 31 March 2017 and I would again urge those eligible to make sure they apply for this scheme too.”