The belief that we don’t face the main problems confronting the industry in England is mistaken
Half of Scotland’s population will face water scarcity by 2050, with drought conditions happening every 3 years instead of every 20. We need to use water more efficiently, including reusing water and invest in green infrastructure (green roofs, permeable pavements, and retaining gardens) and mandate some of these through the planning system.
Although we have avoided the worst excesses of the privatised water companies in England, Scottish Water operates under a similar economic regulatory system and is privatising services at an alarming rate. Industrial relations, once promoted as a model of partnership working, have gradually eroded, and collective bargaining has been hollowed out. This is not compatible with the Scottish Government’s Fair Work principles.
Scottish Water is being privatised by the back door, and the consequences of climate change are not being properly addressed. As UNISON rightly concludes, “Everyone will pay the price if the water industry continues to operate without proper democratic scrutiny.”