Question reference: S6W-15215
- Asked by: Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 21 February 2023
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 7 March 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Water and Sewerage Charges Exemption Scheme, whether it will consider retroactively applying an exemption to any registered charity or SCIO for the 2022-23 financial year, and for subsequent years, until the current cost of living crisis is under control.
Answer
Whilst organisations are encouraged to apply in advance, registered charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) have until 31 March 2023 to apply for the water and sewerage charges exemption scheme for the 2022-23 financial year. If exemption is granted, it will be backdated to 1 April 2022 - provided the criteria of the scheme were met at that time - and any charges will be refunded. The organisation’s income must be below £300,000 to qualify. Exemption will not be granted if:
- The organisation holds a permanent alcohol licence to sell alcohol at the premises
- the premises is a charity shop or other premises used for the purposes of retailing new or second hand merchandise
- the premises operates as a café which is open to the public and operated on a regular basis to generate income
- the organisation is a local council or an Arms-Length External Organisation (ALEO) which can be used by councils to deliver services