The Government's plans to bring in water charges next year are in chaos. Because of the strength of the opposition to the charges it now appears likely that they will be forced to delay their introduction, possibly for another year.

They have lost the propaganda war over charges. Their lies and spin are not believed. Most people are not only opposed to the charges, they are backing the call made by the We Won't Pay Campaign for mass non-payment to defeat them if they are introduced.

This was starkly confirmed when NIPSA, the largest trade union in the north, overwhelmingly passed a motion at its annual conference backing mass non-payment.

The current position is that a "detailed review" is being carried out by Minister for Water Charges, Shaun Woodward (see below), into issues surrounding the introduction of charges and the privatisation of the water service. His plans are in a complete mess.

The legislation required for privatisation through the formation of a GoCo, was originally meant to be drafted for debate at Westminster at the beginning of 2005. But there is still no sign of it emerging.

The new GoCo will require a licence in order to operate, but this has also not been produced, let alone circulated as part of a 'consultation' process.

The outcome of the consultation on the equality impact of water charges, which closed in March, has yet to be published. The Strategic Financial Review of the Water Service has yet to be published and consulted on.

The government hopes that a delay and, possibly some modification of their proposals, will win over some of those now opposing them.

There are groups like the Consumer Council who have called for a years delay so that the government can "get it right". They want a charge that is "fair, affordable and sustainable."

This completely misses the point that we already pay for our water in our rates. Whatever charge is introduced is double taxation and is unfair. Behind the proposal is the aim of privatising the water service so that we will end up paying through our noses in order to make profits for the directors and shareholders of the big water multinationals.

A delay in the introduction of charges does not mean we should ease up on our campaign. The strength of opposition has forced the government to take a step back. Let's build on this and force them to back off completely.

If there is a year's delay, that will give us more time to build non payment groups in every community and to sign up tens of thousands to the non payment pledge. Sign up to join the campaign now!

In an interview with Shaun Woodward, BBC reporter Mark Davenport commented "... he [Woodward] seems determined to push ahead with the introduction of water charges, linking the unsatisfactory state of public services in Northern Ireland with what he sees as the low local tax burden."

Shaun Woodward has some cheek. He:

- Lives in an 18th century 10 bedroom mansion.

- Has property in St Helens, several properties in London, France, has a £7 million property in Long Island, USA, and owns an estate in the Caribbean

- Is married to Camilla Sainsbury, who has a personal fortune of £100 million.

- Owns shares in Sainsbury PLC.

- Has a butler.

- Received £348,057 in MP expenses alone between 2001 - 2004.

- Receives £90,000 a year as a Minister in Northern Ireland.

And this is the man who thinks that low-income families and pensioners in Northern Ireland should have second rate health care and should pay hefty water charges because they do not pay their fair share!!!