Public Audit Committee publishes report on WICS

The Public Audit Committee (PAC) has today published its final report on the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS), following its scrutiny of our 2022/23 and 2023/24 audits. This marks the conclusion of a detailed process initiated by a Section 22 report by the Auditor General in December 2023.  The Committee’s scrutiny included evidence sessions with current and former WICS employees, representatives of the Scottish Government and Audit Scotland. The Committee’s final report reflects both the issues raised in the Section 22 reports and the evidence presented during those sessions.

Since December 2023, WICS has taken decisive action to strengthen its governance, financial controls and assurance processes. This has included a renewed focus on transparency, robust internal oversight and open engagement with both the Scottish Government and the Public Audit Committee.

Ronnie Hinds, Interim Chair of WICS said: 

“We accept the Public Audit Committee’s report in full. It reflects issues that we have acknowledged and have been actively addressing since December 2023. 

With direction from our Board and through the commitment of our leadership team and staff, we have taken decisive action to strengthen governance, improve financial controls and embed a culture that is firmly focused on best value. 

We welcome the Committee’s recognition of the steps WICS has already taken, and we are committed to continuing this momentum. 

Everyone at WICS continues to be fully focused on regaining trust and reaffirming our role as an economic regulator that upholds the highest standards, both in our regulatory approach and in our stewardship of public resources.”

Notes 

  1. The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) is the economic regulator of the Scottish water industry. Its statutory role is to promote the interests of customers by challenging Scottish Water to improve performance and deliver value.
  2. The Public Audit Committee looks at reports published by the Auditor General for Scotland to examine whether public money is being spent efficiently and effectively.
  3. The Public Audit Committee’s has been providing scrutiny following two Section 22 reports relating to WICS’ 2022/23 and 2023/24 audits.
  4. WICS has provided an update on the actions it has taken since December 2023, available: The 202223 audit of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland update WICS December 2024 | Scottish Parliament Website and The 202324 audit of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland WICS response April 2025 | Scottish Parliament Website.
  5. Full details of previous correspondence and evidence sessions with the Public Audit Committee and WICS can be found here.
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