Cole-Hamilton hits out at above inflation water bill rise

Responding to the news that water bills are to rise by 8.7%, significantly more than inflation, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"This is a steep rise in bills at a time when many households are already feeling hard pressed. What's more these sharp increases were approved by a water industry regulator which has been hauled through Audit Scotland scrutiny and mired in controversy for misuse of public money.

"In the last couple of months, Scottish Liberal Democrat research has revealed thousands of sewage spills into Scottish shellfish waters and regular breaches of pollution standards in Scotland's designated bathing waters. Combined with the regular reports of big bonuses for senior staff, the spotlight on Scottish Water is huge.

"My party has campaigned for several years on reducing sewage spills, tackling flooding and removing asbestos pipes. Scottish Water need to show that these funds will be used to deliver for taxpayers and households."