Department of Regional Development –
www.drdni.gov.uk
Deputy Secretary, Room 7-04, Clarence Court
10-18 Adelaide Street, BelfastBT2 8GB
Dear Sir or madam,
As you will know, from April 2007 householders
will receive water and sewerage charges and there will be changes to charges for businesses.
These new charges will be phased in over the course of three years. In addition Government intends to provide protection
for a number of groups through a special Affordability
Tariff for those in receipt of identified passport benefits. A metering option
for pensioners should help to reduce costs for this group, assuming they use lower than average amounts of water.
To ensure the public is well informed
about all aspects of the introduction of these new charges, this Autumn a Government public awareness campaign will provide details of the likely level of charges, how they will be phased in and who is eligible for the Affordability
Tariff. In addition an information guide will be delivered to every home and workplace in Northern Ireland.
To support the overall awareness campaign, a number of Information Seminars will be held for those who
are most likely to be asked by the general public or members of their individual organisations, to provide guidance and information
on aspects of the introduction of charges. Copies of the guides will also be available at the upcoming Information Seminars.
A series of four information seminars have been scheduled.
You are cordially invited to attend one of the following seminars:
|
LOCATION |
VENUE |
DATE |
PLEASE TICK |
|
L’Derry |
Millennium Forum |
Tuesday 3rd October |
|
|
|
|
Omagh |
Tara Centre |
Wednesday 4th
October |
|
|
Armagh |
Market Place |
Tuesday 10th October |
|
|
Belfast |
King’s Hall |
Wednesday 11th
October |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please plan to arrive at 10.30
for refreshments. The seminars will begin at 11a.m. At the seminar you will learn
about how charges will be calculated and what processes are in place to protect consumers. A panel will be in attendance at
each seminar to provide a brief presentation and to answer your questions. Please RSVP to michaela.smyth@drdni.gov.uk. Alternately, you may fax this letter,
ticking the box next to your choice, to 02890 540029. For more information please
contact Michaela Smyth, 02890
540887.
