Minister calls for views on water industry

Published on Wednesday 21 July 2004 12:43

ENVIRONMENT Minister Ross Finnie has urged the public to have their say on the future of the water industry amid growing anger over large increases in domestic and business water bills.

Mr Finnie launched two consultations, one on how much different groups of customers should pay and a second on Scottish Water’s future investment plans. Mr Finnie said: "I hope everyone with an interest in water services and the impact that they have on families, public health, the environment and business will take the time to consider the papers and participate in the discussion that we are keen to generate."

The first paper, called Paying for Water Services 2006-2010, asks for views on how different groups of customers should be charged for services. The second, entitled Investing in Water Services 2006-2014, seeks suggestions on the scale and content of Scottish Water’s next investment programme.

The proposed legislation would replace the Water Industry Commissioner with a new commission which would set the maximum water charges customers have to pay.