Question reference: S5W-34732
- Asked by: John Finnie, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 22 January 2021
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 29 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it monitors organisations that are licensed to provide water or sewerage services to ensure that they are meeting their licence conditions, and what action can be taken if these conditions are breached.
Answer
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland monitors licensed providers’ compliance with their licence by reviewing the complaints and enquiries that it receives from customers and other stakeholders. The Commission also liaises with the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and licensed providers on a regular basis and may conduct market audits.
In the event of an alleged licence breach the Commission can open an investigation following the receipt of a complaint from a stakeholder or on the basis of its own initiative. Where there has been a licence contravention, the Commission can issue recommendations or enforcement notices. When reasonable and proportionate, the Commission may use its powers of investigation, impose financial penalties or decide to revoke the licence.