To ask the Scottish Executive what consultation took place with the charity and voluntary sectors in connection with the decision to withdraw water rates relief.

Extensive consultations with these sectors have taken place over a number of years.

During July and August 1998, the East of Scotland Water Authority (ESWA) undertook a consultation exercise covering proposals for a new approach to charging non-domestic customers. This involved the issue of a booklet to a wide range of customers and representative bodies, including the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). They also arranged a series of public meetings throughout the ESWA area.

The North of Scotland Water Authority undertook a similar exercise during the same period, taking the form of a series of public meetings and circulation of a booklet to representative bodies, again including the SCVO. In February 1999, they sent almost 1,000 letters to customers who would be impacted by the withdrawal of relief.

Additionally, the then Customers Council conducted its own research at this time.

In January 1999, the West of Scotland Water Authority wrote to almost 2,000 customers who would be affected by the withdrawal of reliefs from water charges.

The water authorities met jointly with the SCVO on 20 January 1999, when they detailed the reasons, timescales involved and approximate financial impacts of this decision.

A minister from the former Scottish Office met the SCVO in April 1999 to discuss this issue, as did Sarah Boyack in July 1999. Separately, there has also been correspondence between ministers, officials and the SCVO.

Most recently, in June of last year, the water authorities jointly consulted on a review of the policy of granting reliefs from water and wastewater charges to certain organisations. This involved the sending of individual letters and questionnaires to over 11,000 organisations as well as the representative bodies.