The SNP yesterday confirmed that Scottish Water would stay in public ownership, a stance that will be welcomed by the Scottish people.
The announcement followed speculation in the media that privatisation of the utility was actively being considered following calls from an independent panel for a review of the public owned body.
The SNP yesterday confirmed that Scottish Water would stay in public ownership, a stance that will be welcomed by the Scottish people.
The announcement followed speculation in the media that privatisation of the utility was actively being considered following calls from an independent review panel for a review of the public owned body.
There have also been calls from sections of the private sector and from the Tories for Scottish Water to be sold.
However the Scottish government has pointed out that Scottish Water was performing well in the public sector and that the SNP had no plans to change its status.
SNP MSP Joe FitzPatrick pointed out that any proceeds from such a sale would by-pass Scotland and flow directly to the UK treasury.
Mr FitzPatrick said:
“We know the people of Scotland want Scottish Water to stay in public hands and we share that belief.
“Scotland is facing some tough financial decisions but selling off Scottish Water – one of our key assets – is not a solution.
“It is the Tories and Lib Dems who want it privatised – while Labour have no idea what they want. And for the Tories and Lib Dems it is simply a way of putting more cash in London’s pocket – where any money from a sale would go.
“Scottish Water does a good job and provides good value for money to the Scottish people. Under the SNP it will stay in public hands.”
A spokesman for the Scottish government added that average domestic water charges in Scotland were lower than the privatised system in England and Wales.
If you found this article interesting why not make a small contribution in order to help keep the site going – see the paypal button on the right.