New waste water tax could go up

Homeowners in Guernsey may have to pay £125 a year to dispose of their waste water rather than the original £100 already agreed by the States.
The new tax has already been approved but not yet introduced. States members are now considering exactly what the charge should be.
It is hoped it will raise millions of pounds to help pay for the introduction of a full sewage system in the island.
Whichever tariff is approved later this month will come into effect in 2010.
Full sewage treatment
The proposal outlined in the States' January billet recommends taxing each household £125 on average.
Exact charges will depend on the size of property, whether they are metered or unmetered and whether they are connected to the mains sewage system.
As well as helping to pay for a full sewage system the tax will also help pay for the maintenance of the existing network.
The island's current method of waste disposal is to pump macerated raw sewage into the sea.
In August, Guernsey's main sewage pipe burst, releasing sewage close to the shoreline at Belle Greve Bay. (rom thisisguernsey)

A Guernsey Deputy wants a firm commitment from the States to build a sewage treatment plant.

Deputy David De Lisle is bringing amendments to the house this month on waste water charges.

He wants the States to agree in writing that cash generated from the new charge will be used to fund a new plant.

Deputy De Lisle says it's high time the island had a proper sewage treatment

and how right he is...