A coalition of community groups led by the Scout Association has succeeded in campaigning against new water company charges which would have seen their running costs soar.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn recently announced that the government will prevent water suppliers from putting in place the new rules, under which community organisations and churches would have been charged on the same basis as commercial premises.

Chuka strongly backed the campaign against the ‘Rain Tax’. At the Labour Party conference last month he attended attended a youth forum event organised by the Scouts Association to discuss their concerns and applaud the huge contribution scouts make to local communities. More than 5,000 youngsters belong to scout groups in South London.