Bill rises in Scotland to remain below inflation

Scottish Water has pledged to keep its bill hike 1 per cent below the level of inflation next year, with a 1.6 per cent rise in April.

The water company says that the rise – only the second since 2009 – will help it improve customer service and maintain investment in upgrades to water works and pipes.

Water charges in Scotland, which have been reduced by 10.2 per cent relative to the rate of inflation since 2009, are expected to remain below the average household charges of private water companies in England and Wales.

Douglas Millican, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “This commitment of low level increases in charges for future years gives our customers reassurance that their water bills continue to deliver real value for money while we provide customer service improvements to water and waste water services in Scotland.”

The average Scottish Water charge for households across Scotland in 2014/15 will be around £339.

Nicola Sturgeon deputy first minister, said: “By keeping Scottish Water in the public sector household charges in Scotland will continue to be amongst the lowest in the Britain and by the end of 2014-15, Scottish Water will be providing one of the best value water and sewerage packages in Britain.

“Scottish Water froze water and sewerage charges for four years throughout the recession and by keeping increases for 2014-15 below the rate of inflation they have recognised the continued pressure on household finances.”

2014/15 is the final year of SW’s five-year regulatory programme and Scottish Water says it is committed to “maintaining low level increases” in charges for the next six years.