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Churches in water charge reprieve

Small charities, churches and voluntary groups are to be exempt from paying water charges for the next six years, the Scottish Government has said.

The current exemption, which had been due to run out in 2010, will now be extended to 2014.

The move follows a campaign by charities and churches to fight the introduction of water charges.

Rev Jock Stein of the Church of Scotland Dunfermline Presbytery who was part of the campaign, said: "Since the introduction of exemptions and reliefs more than half a century ago it has been recognised that charities and churches play a vital social role, a situation even more strongly relevant now with the increasing reliance placed by the Scottish Government on these bodies to deliver and supplement social services.

"It is therefore good news that we can continue to perform this role to the best of our ability."

Full story at BBC Scotland.