Water bills set for price freeze

WATER bills in Scotland are to be frozen next year.

Scottish Water said its customers deserve a "fair deal" as they struggle to cope with the recession.

Now the average bill for homes in Scotland in 2010-11 will continue to be about 324.

The move comes after the industry regulator called for a price freeze two months ago and after four years of below-inflation price rises.

Scottish Water said the average household bill will be lower than the average price charged by seven energy companies in England.

Prices may be frozen again in 2011 and any rises after that will be below the rate of inflation until 2015.