MP’s wastewater fight will cut bills for schools
CHEADLE’S Conservative MP Mary Robinson has helped to decrease wastewater rates for schools in the borough.
Mary Robinson, who is also a governor at Nevill Road School in Bramhall, has campaigned for reductions to the surface water rates in Stockport’s schools.
Raising the issue with Theresa May at Prime Minister’s Questions last year, Mary asked: “Will the government make representations to Ofwat to change the banding guidance so that schools are considered to be community assets rather than classified in the same way as big business?”
After pressing the issue with United Utilities, meeting with other government ministers and campaigning, a concessionary rate is set to be introduced which will reduce the amount schools across Greater Manchester are charged for their water rates.
From 2018/19, every educational establishment from primary school to sixth form which has a playground will receive the discount and, for the majority of schools in Cheadle, this will lead to around a 40 per cent reduction in the overall wastewater bill.
Mary said: “I’m grateful to United Utilities for reducing these burdensome charges and providing much-needed relief to our local schools.
“I know that there is always more work to be done so that our schools and children can receive their fair share of funding and I am pleased that we have been able to make a difference in this area.”