THE SNP have slammed Tory “hypocrisy” after it was revealed household bills for water in Scotland are more than 12% lower than in England and Wales – where the water industry was privatised by the Tory government.
The average annual household water charge north of the Border is £369, while the equivalent rate in England and Wales is £415. The figures, revealed by the SNP, also showed year-on-year increases are higher in England and Wales.
Water charges in England and Wales have risen above the cost of living – rising by 2.5% despite the latest CPI inflation indicator increasing by only 1.9%. Meanwhile, increases in water charges in Scotland sit below inflation at 1.7%.
SNP MSP Tom Arthur lambasted the Tories for privatising the water industry in England and Wales.
“Yet again we have more evidence of the Tory hypocrisy on tax,” he said. “These latest figures on water bills further expose that hypocrisy and show what the public get with Tory policies.
“In contrast to their rhetoric, the facts show their policies are a greater burden on the cost of living for ordinary people.
“They also underline the SNP commitment to protecting household budgets – by keeping Scottish Water in public hands we’ve ensured that bills are consistently lower than the spiralling costs in the privatised industry in England and Wales. These figures show Scotland’s better off with the SNP.
“Not only are people in Scotland paying less, they are also benefitting from some of the highest-quality water in the world. In contrast, the Tories were only too eager to sell out the water industry south of the border to private corporations.
He added: “The SNP remain resolutely committed to keeping this key public service in public hands and ensuring value for money for Scotland’s water consumers.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel