Water charging system defies logic

Belfast Telegraph

22 September 2006 The decision to link water rates to the value of a home defies all logic. It seems that a system based on the actual usage of water would be fairer. I lived in Canada for 30 years and we paid our water bills based on usage plus sewer rates. I fail to see how this new system is fair if a home, valued at £100,000 with six people living in it and using more water, would pay less than a home valued at £200,000 with two elderly people. Is it not possible to install meters in every home? Taken on top of the new rates valuation system this may well force many elderly householders on fixed income to sell their homes. It's not their fault that real estate values have gone through the roof. I'll wager that if property values drop drastically you will not see a drop in your rates. For that we will have to fight them for it. S J Ross Belfast