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| Water charges 'may be 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 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. |
| The Consumer Council said the judgement was a landmark ruling. | |
| But the government said it was confident charges would still be introduced in April. The legislation is due to go before parliament next week. | |
| 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. | |
| 'Essential services' | |
| Regional Development Minister David Cairns said the government remained confident charges will be introduced in April. | |
| "The government is fully justified in proceeding with the legislative process in view of the courts ruling," he said. | |
| "We appreciate that the introduction of new charges is never popular but it is crucial to underpin the economy of Northern Ireland that we put these essential services on a sustainable financial basis." | |
| BBC Northern Ireland correspondent Mike McKimm said: "The legislation bringing in the charges will still go through Westminster next week but the judge is adding a declaration, or as he described it, a 'compact statement' of the courts' conclusions. | |
| "Then it's up to parliament, having read this declaration, to either pass the legislation or throw it out if they feel it's flawed. | |
| "So we won't know if the new water charges are absolutely guaranteed for the 1 April next year until later next week." |