'We Will Not Allow Water Charges' - People Before Profit

People Before Profit said it will use 'people power' to stop any implementation of water charges in the North. 

Foyleside councillor, Shaun Harkin said: "We pay for our water through our rates. Any attempt to introduce a further charge will be resisted by a mass mobilisation of people just as it was before. 

"The Tory Secretary of State has already put forward the notion of further water charges being implemented. 

"We call on all parties running for the Council elections to make clear their position on Water Charges. 

"The Alliance Party have stated in the past that they would be in favour of supporting water charges. This would heap further misery on struggling families. The proposal for water privatisation comes at a time when across Britain people are demanding that water utilities are taken back into public ownership," said Cllr Harkin.

He added that water companies had been making huge profits "while causing widespread pollution and failing to stop sewage spewing into the rivers and the ocean".

"Three of the bosses of the major water companies recently returned their huge CEO bonuses after public pressure.  

"Are these the people we now want to be in charge of our water? 

"NI Water needs massive investment. Access to clean water is a basic human right.

"Corporate profiteers should never be put in charge of water provision."