The Scottish Government has today published its independent review of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS):
- Independent Review of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland – EY Review of Financial Transactions
- Independent Review of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland – Review of Governance Arrangements
- Sponsorship Oversight and Governance of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland – Scottish Government Internal Audit Review
This review follows the Section 22 report published in December 2023 on WICS’ 2022-23 Annual Report and Accounts, which highlighted weaknesses in governance and financial management giving rise to concerns about our focus on value for money.
Since then, WICS has taken decisive action to strengthen governance and controls to better ensure value for money. There has been significant focus on open and constructive engagement with the Scottish Government and Public Audit Committee since December 2023.
Ronnie Hinds, Interim Chair of WICS said:
“We fully accept the findings and recommendations of the Scottish Government report published today. This review reflects our own recognition of weaknesses in governance and financial control within the organisation in the past.
We welcome the acknowledgement of the action WICS has taken to address these issues, and the significant progress made since the Auditor General for Scotland’s Section 22 report was published last year.
We are now committed to accelerating organisational and cultural change and building upon the meaningful progress made to date. We look forward to considering the Scottish Government’s review carefully, acting on its findings and providing appropriate assurance to the Cabinet Secretary.
Everyone at WICS continues to be fully focused on regaining the trust of Ministers and the wider Scottish public and to fulfilling our crucial role as the economic regulator of Scottish Water efficiently and effectively.”