Our decision enables Scottish Water to deliver services customers rely on every day, while making measurable improvements where they matter most.
Fair bills for customers
Charges are capped and based on what can be delivered efficiently. Customers pay no more than necessary for high-quality services. Today’s average bill of £537 covers the following costs:
| Bill element | (£) |
|---|---|
| Maintaining assets | 228 |
| Operational costs | 214 |
| Upgrading and growing the asset base | 47 |
| Interest on borrowing | 48 |
Improvements for our environment
£1,271 million of investment to reduce pollution, improve wastewater treatment, and protect rivers, coasts and the wider natural environment.
Protects our water and wastewater system
£4,960 million investment would support the renewal of pipes, mains and treatment works, helping to reduce leaks, prevent sewer flooding in homes and keep services reliable.
Challenges Scottish Water to deliver better performance
We have set challenging, yet achievable, service level measures and efficiency targets for Scottish Water that will improve the organisation’s day to day performance where it matters most to customers.
Incentivises great customer service
Sets clear expectations for customer service and holds Scottish Water to account for delivering services customers can depend on every day including:
- Fewer interruptions to water supplies
- Fewer sewer flooding incidents than forecast in Scottish Water’s business plan
- Cleaner rivers and beaches
A greener, net zero Scotland
Increased investment to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and support the transition to net zero
Supports Scotland’s economy
Reliable water services are not only essential for homes and businesses, but they also underpin economic growth across Scotland.
Our final decision allows Scottish Water funding to deliver growth and resilience services for households and businesses, ensuring services can meet Scotland’s future needs.
How investment will be delivered?
In SRC27 we continue the transition to an increased level of investment compared to previous periods. We have adopted a smooth transition, avoiding sudden, material changes in charges.
| Area | Allowance (£ million) |
|---|---|
| Deliver excellent water quality and ensure resilient water supplies | 1047 |
| Protect our natural environment and manage flooding | 1271 |
| Adapt to a growing and moving population | 512 |
| Maintain and renew our sewers, water mains and treatment works (net of the labour cost adjustment) | 4960 |
| Support services, adapt and mitigate against climate change, and other areas | 131 |
How our decision on charges compares
Average annual real price increases comparison: PR24 versus SRC27
| Company | Average price increase % |
|---|---|
| Scottish Water (WICS FD) | 2.7 |
| Northumbrian Water | 3.8 |
| South West Water | 4.2 |
| Wessex Water | 5.7 |
| United Utilities | 5.8 |
| Anglian Water | 6.2 |
| Thames Water | 6.5 |
| WaSC weighted average | 6.7 |
| Yorkshire Water | 7.1 |
| Dŵr Cymru | 7.2 |
| Hafren Dyfrdwy | 7.3 |
| Severn Trent Water | 8.0 |
| Southern Water | 10.5 |
Average annual real price increase comparison between 2027-28 to 2029-30
| Region | Average price increase |
|---|---|
| Scottish Water (WICS FD) | 2.6% |
| England and Wales average | 3.5% |