Surface Water and Highway Drainage Concessionary Scheme for Community Groups

For non-household properties served through a water meter, United Utilities charges for surface water drainage and highway drainage services based on the area of a site that drains to the public sewer. This includes rainwater from roofs, car parks, and other hard surfaces.

The larger the chargeable area of a site, the higher the charge unless the occupier of the premises qualifies for our concessionary scheme. You can find more information about site area charging using the link below.

Site Area Charging

The concessionary scheme is designed to help not-for-profit community groups which benefitted from an exemption or concession when surface water drainage (SWD) charges were levied according to rateable value and/or would have faced a significant increase in bills because of the introduction of site area charging in 2008. 

If your organisation’s main purpose is to benefit the community and you meet the criteria below, you may qualify for reduced charges. 

• If eligible, charges are capped at the lowest site area charging band* (United Utilities Band 1 – or your retailer’s equivalent) 

• Reduced charges may be backdated (see the charge adjustments section)

• Customers apply via their water retailer  

Note: Some premises, in particular places of worship may have already been proactively identified by us, and the concessionary scheme applied. Please check your bill or enquire with your retailer before applying. 

Organisations that may be eligible include:  

• Places of public religious worship  

• Properties occupied by Scout and Guide Associations and similar youth or children’s groups  

• Community amateur sports clubs and similar types of sports clubs 

• Village and community halls, community centres, and similar buildings owned or leased by community associations 

• Sea cadets 

• Local authority parks 

• Cemeteries 

The principal use of the premises must be for and associated with the activities of the eligible group. The eligible group must also be responsible for paying the water and sewerage bill of the property. 

Community Interest Companies and registered charities do not automatically qualify unless they fall into one of the above categories. There is no means-testing for inclusion; all groups within a qualifying class are eligible if they meet the criteria. 

In line with government guidance on concessionary schemes for community groups, we apply the following criteria to help determine which classes of community group, and individual groups should benefit: 

• Groups which benefit the community (i.e. there must be an identifiable social benefit or benefits) 

• Run as not-for-profit organisations - the organisation does not exist for commercial reasons, and its shareholders, trustees, or others do not benefit financially from its activities 

• Non-governmental and non-political - excludes central and local government departments and agencies, political groups, and political parties 

Places of Religious Worship 

• Be registered as a place of worship under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855;  
  
  or;

• otherwise meet the general eligibility criteria above; and, 

• the building is primarily used for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer, meditation, ceremonies, or services; and, 

• it is affiliated with a recognised religion or faith group, either formally or informally; and, 

• it is open to the public or a defined religious community for worship; and, 

• regular services or gatherings are held there. 

Properties occupied by Scout and Guide Associations and similar youth or children’s groups  

• The premises is currently rated by the Valuation Office as Scout and Guide Association premises or similar youth or children’s group; 
  
  or,  

• Meet the general eligibility criteria above; and, 

• the building is regularly used for meetings, activities, or events by recognised youth organisations such as Scout and Guide associations or similar uniformed youth groups (e.g., Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade). 

Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) 

• Be registered as a CASC with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and provide a registration number; 
  
  or,  

• NOT charge a joining fee; and, 

• NOT charge an annual membership fee of over £1,600 and if charging over £10 per week must provide help e.g. a discount for those who cannot pay; and, 

• NOT require members to pay a fee to play at the club; and, 

• have as its main purpose the provision of facilities for, and encouragement of; and, participation in eligible sports (Under CASC rules, eligible sports are those recognised by national sport councils such as Sport England, Sport Scotland, Sport Wales, Sport Northern Ireland); and, 

• be open to the whole community without discrimination; and, 

• have governing documents that prevent profits from being distributed among members (i.e., profits must go back into running the club). 

A list of registered CASCs can be found on the HMRC website. 

Community Centres & Village Halls 

• The premises is currently rated by the Valuation Office as a community centre or village hall, 
  
  and,  

• the organisation responsible for paying the water and sewerage bill of the property must NOT be funded by the government;
  
  or, 

• Is open to all members of the local community; and, 

• No discrimination against age, race, or gender; and, 

• Not run for profit (or any profits are re-invested in the organisation), i.e. the organisation does not exist for commercial reasons and that its shareholders, trustees or others do not benefit financially from the activities of the organisation (not including employee wages e.g. bar staff, caretaker); and, 

• The organisation does not receive all of its funding from the local government; and, 

• Structured activities must be offered to all age groups.  

Sea Cadets 

• Is a Sea Cadet Unit affiliated with the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC); and, 

• The individual organisation is registered as a charity in its own right. 

Note: Sea cadet units remain eligible subject to them continuing to receive no government funding. Air Cadets and Army Cadet Force are not eligible due to the receipt of central funding from the Air Force and Army respectively. 

Local Authority Parks 

• Is a park listed in local government asset registers, local planning documents or on the local authority website as a public park.  

Cemeteries 

• The land is officially designated or registered as a cemetery or burial ground by local authorities or relevant government bodies.  

• The person responsible for water and sewerage charges must apply 

• Applications should be made to your water retailer (the company that bills you) and ask for a surface water / highway drainage concessionary scheme application  

• Provide evidence of your organisation’s status in accordance with the eligibility criteria set out above. (see the Appendix for details of evidence requirements) 

You can visit the link below for full details of the evidence that is required for an application to be assessed. Please note that we may require additional evidence to that listed below. 

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact your water retailer (see your bill for details).