Scottish Water 'to stay publicly-owned' despite criticism

THE SNP government has repeated its pledge that Scottish Water will "remain in public ownership" despite being criticised over the stance by the industry regulator.

Sir Ian Byatt, the former water industry regulator, sent a memorandum to finance secretary John Swinney two years ago warning that bosses at Scottish Water were "increasingly concerned" they would not be able to afford repairs if the company remained funded solely by the government.

However, the Scottish Government said that the document "been overtaken by events."

A government spokesperson said: "Scottish Water will remain in public ownership, operating for the benefit of all the people of Scotland.

"Scottish Water is outperforming its challenging targets and consumers are reaping the benefits, with average household charges frozen at 324 per annum - 32 lower in 2011-12 than in England and Wales."