Water bills in Scotland to rise to support net-zero target

Image source, Getty Images

Household water bills in Scotland face an average rise of 拢9 per year, above inflation, over the next six years.

The industry regulator has published its draft plan for allowing Scottish Water to invest 拢4.5bn up to 2027, 拢1bn more than the last six-year period.

The investment is expected to help ensure water pipes and sewerage works can withstand extreme weather.

It is also to put the government-owned water company on course for net-zero carbon emissions 20 years from now.

The recommendation of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics), that bills rise at 2% per year above inflation, is out for consultation.

Alan Sutherland, Wics chief executive, said the plans would "future-proof" services for future generations.

"To delay increased investment would put water quality, reliability and the 2040 net-zero target at significant risk, with the likelihood of even higher bills to fix those problems in future," he added.