Scottish Water has unveiled a £13.4 billion six-year spending plan, aiming to future-proof aging assets, combat climate pressures, and maintain some of the lowest charges in the UK. The publicly-owned utility has outlined a comprehensive strategy to invest £8 billion in maintaining and improving pipes, treatment works, and other critical infrastructure. The remaining funds will be allocated to operational and essential costs, ensuring safe and efficient service delivery. This plan is designed to support jobs, skills, and local supply chains across Scotland. Chief executive Alex Plant emphasized the importance of balancing essential service protection, future investments, and affordability, stating, "More than 25,000 people helped shape this plan, and their message was clear - protect essential services, invest for the future, but do so in a way that is fair and affordable." Scottish Water's charges are among the lowest in the UK, and every penny received is reinvested in services for customers. To fund the program, annual customer charges are proposed to rise by 3.3% above CPI, with over 53% of households already receiving financial support. The proposals will be scrutinized by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, with a draft determination expected in June and a Final Determination in October 2026, setting confirmed investment levels and charges for the 2027-2033 period. A detailed Delivery Plan will follow ahead of the new regulatory cycle, inviting public input and discussion on this controversial topic.
