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| NI water charges 'now in doubt' | NI water charges 'now in doubt' |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The introduction of controversial water charges next April could be in doubt after a judgement in the High Court. | |
| The General Consumer Council has won a judicial review of the decision to bring in charges because it had not been adequately consulted. | The General Consumer Council has won a judicial review of the decision to bring in charges because it had not been adequately consulted. |
| During the hearing last month, the council's lawyer claimed that the Northern Ireland Office had rushed ahead with the legislation. | During the hearing last month, the council's lawyer claimed that the Northern Ireland Office had rushed ahead with the legislation. |
| He claimed the NIO feared a restored assembly would reject the rate. | He claimed the NIO feared a restored assembly would reject the rate. |
| This was rejected by Mr Justice Weatherup who said he was not suggesting any illegal impropriety on the part of ministers. | This was rejected by Mr Justice Weatherup who said he was not suggesting any illegal impropriety on the part of ministers. |
| However, he added that there should have been proper consultation with the council before the legislation was laid before Parliament. | However, he added that there should have been proper consultation with the council before the legislation was laid before Parliament. |