Mr. John Tierney:

I wish to put the matter into context. I will be brief. Let us take the last three charges that were introduced in this country, including the property tax. Up to 91% of people have paid. The majority of people pay and they want to see that those who do not pay are penalised. If affordability mechanisms are built into the system, they do not want to see people being allowed not to pay when they are willing to pay. That is common in every charging system and ensures the overall cost of the water is kept down for all those who do pay.