CONTROVERSIAL plans to include water charges as part of council tenants' rent has been approved by councillors.

Tenants will have to pay their water bills through the council as part of a two-year trial scheme with North West Water from April.

Labour members of the Housing Services Committee voted to accept the scheme despite objections from Liberal Democrat councillors and some of the town's voluntary groups.

Objectors fear tenants could face eviction if water bills aren't paid and that the scheme offers no advantages to either residents or the council.

At a meeting last Thursday, Lib Dem Ian Marks said: "We are at a loss to see where the advantages are and we believe we shouldn't take up this option.

"This council has got a good record with housing but it was quite clear members have not been fully consulted about this matter.

"The tone of the letter sent to residents was quite threatening and now they could face eviction over their water charges and many aren't happy."

The town's Citizens' Advice Bureau and Warrington Community Law Centre also wanted more discussion before the scheme was approved.

Housing chiefs defended the policy, believing the consultation exercise was fair and that the majority of tenants wanted the scheme.

They say it would make budgeting easier and that evict

ions would only occur as a last resort.

It was also backed by the majority Labour group.

Councillor John Morris said: "This proposal is the right thing to do for council tenants.

"The position is that any profits would be ploughed back into housing services and to improve repairs.

"That's to the benefit of all council tenants," he said.

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