Dr. Edgar Morgenroth:

The model described by the Vice Chairman is pursued in Northern Ireland, where the council rates include a number of services among which is water. That could certainly be done. However, the Northern Irish system is weak in the sense that it does not identify usage. Although usage is bound into the rates, the real cost of usage is not identified. It is difficult for people to understand that although it rains a lot, the water has to be treated and pumped and waste water has to be dealt with.

At least 10% or 15%, perhaps more, of the population are paying water charges and have done so for many years. I am one of them. I am on a group water scheme. I had to pay my bill earlier this year. The solutions for the wider issue could open up a Pandora's box for these people as well. The property tax model would be interesting, at least as an opportunity to put together and itemise the costs. It is useful for citizens to see that services cost money.