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Water and Sewerage Charges Exemption Scheme

If you run a charity registered in Scotland or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) you may be able to get help with the cost of your water and sewerage charges.

The Water and Sewerage Charges Exemption Scheme lets you apply for an exemption every year (from 1 April to 31 March).

Who can apply

Scottish charities registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and CASC registered with HM Revenue and Customs are eligible for support if they have an income below £300,000.

Income Support
Up to and including £200,000 Exempt
£200,000 to £300,000 50% off wholesale charge
£300,000 and over No support

Exceptions

Charities and CASCs are not eligible for support if:

  • the charity holds a permanent alcohol licence to sell alcohol at the premises
  • the premises is a charity shop or other premises used for the purposes of retailing new or second hand merchandise
  • the premises operates as a café which is open to the public and operated on a regular basis to generate income. This excludes canteens that have been provided by the charity to support its own volunteers
  • the organisation is a local council or an Arms-Length External Organisation (ALEO) which can be used by councils to deliver services

How to apply

If you think your organisation qualifies for exemption, contact your licensed provider or retailer and ask them for an application form.

If you do not have a licensed provider yet, Scotland on Tap provides a list of suppliers you can choose to provide your water.

Warning

You have to apply for an exemption every year.

The deadline for 2022 - 2023 applications is 31 March 2023.

If your application is successful, your exemption will start from 1 April 2022. Any charges relating to 2022 - 23 will be refunded.

More information

For more information and FAQs on the charges exemption scheme visit Scottish Water's website.

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