British government plans to introduce water charges in Northern Ireland have been delayed for a year.
Regional Development Minister Shaun Woodward today confirmed the decision to bring in the rates had been put on hold until April 2007.
Even though there has been fierce all-party opposition to the charges, the minister insisted the case for introducing them remains strong.
Mr Woodward said: "The demand for additional measures to be made available for health and education in future years means that without water and sewerage charges being introduced to Northern Ireland, as is already the case in England, Scotland and Wales, less money would be available for our major public services."
Mr Woodward confirmed the revised timetable and defended the controversial policy. The minister said: "Following detailed consultation we will set April 2007 as the date when the new Government company will be established and domestic charges will begin to be phased in.
"The case for water and sewerage charges remains strong. "In addition to an ongoing annual investment programme for water and sewerage services, income from a fair system of charges will enable increased investment to be made across public services in Northern Ireland."
In a bid to reassure those concerned about the charges, the minister added: "I remain mindful of the need to ensure that our system for water and sewerage charges is fair and affordable for water consumers.
"I am determined we will create a system which protects the most vulnerable and low income households. "The additional time before introduction will allow careful revision of the scale of protection for these vulnerable groups to be carefully considered."
Mr Woodward said he would also allow time to develop a policy on metering and confirmed he would set out a schedule of proposals for charging later this year.