The SNP has re-iterated the success of Scotland's publicly owned
water company, Scottish Water, ahead of protests over water
pollution in England today.
In London today, campaign group River Action are staging a March
for Clean Water – demanding an end to the pollution of
Britain's rivers, lakes, and seas. The protest is in response to
figures which show that only 16% of England's water bodies are in
good or better ecological condition – compared to 87% in
Scotland.
Scottish taxpayers pay less for their water than their
English counterparts, thanks to public ownership, with the
average water bill in Scotland around £438 a year - £35 a year
cheaper than the average bill of £473 in England.
The SNP
also ensures that money raised from water bills is
re-invested in the water network – and not the pockets of
executives and private shareholders.
Commenting, SNP MSP said:
“The benefit of public ownership of Scotland's water speaks for
itself. While people are taking to the streets to protest the
quality of water in England, we can take pride in the fact
that almost 90% of Scotland's water bodies are in good or
better ecological condition.
“The latest figures show that water bills in Scotland are also
lower - the average water bill is £35 a year cheaper than
the average bill in England.
“The million pound pay packets received by the CEOs of English
water companies suggest that this extra profit is not being used
to make improvements in preventing pollution and improving water
quality – but for the benefit of a small number of private
shareholders.
“I'd urge the UK Government to follow Scotland's example and
re-nationalise the water companies, protect England's water
bodies, lower bills, and protect this essential public asset."
ENDS
Notes for editors:
State of the water environment in England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-water-environment-indicator-b3-supporting-evidence/state-of-the-water-environment-indicator-b3-supporting-evidence
State of the water environment in Scotland: https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2023/12/201223-Improving-Urban-Waters-Update
Scottish Water, what you pay for your water and wastewater
services in 2024/25: https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/-/media/ScottishWater/Document-Hub/Your-Home/Charges/2024/140224UnmeteredHouseholdChargesLeaflet24-25.pdf
Water bills: How much will I have to pay?: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmm26e1qpzgo#:~:text=Average%20bills%20for%202024%2D25,at%20%C2%A3503%20a%20year.
https://marchforcleanwater.org/
