Privatising Scottish Water is a 'non starter'

Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow region, has commented on the Independent Budget Review published by Crawford Beveridge yesterday.

The report, which does not reflect the Scottish Government's position, covers a number of areas including the public spending environment, efficiency, workforce, protected services and the potential privatisation of Scottish Water. The report makes clear in plain terms the extent of the cuts that will need to be made due to a significantly reduced budget being given to Scotland from London.

Mr Doris hopes the Independent Budget Review will be a 'wake up call' for the Labour Party who are constantly demanding additional cash to be spent on a variety of projects in the face of a shrinking budget. Mr Doris is asking for all parties to put politics to one side and act together in the best interests of Scotland.

Mr Doris also singled out the suggestion that  Scottish Water should be privatised as a 'non starter'  and welcomed the fact that this option is strongly opposed by the Scottish Government and the SNP.

Amongst other things the review acknowledges the Scottish Government has exceeded their efficiency targets, that the council tax freeze was fully funded and it strongly supports the existence of the Scottish Futures Trust, and calls on its remit to be expanded.

Mr Doris said: "This report pulls no punches and requires a mature response from all political parties in Scotland. No party can wash their hands of that responsibility. I hope that the Independent Budget Review is a wake up call for the Labour Party who keep demanding additional cash  to be spent on a variety of projects in the face of a shrinking budget. That is both irresponsible and opportunistic. Two thirds of these cuts were planned by the last UK Labour Government and the full amount signed off by a Tory / Lib Dem UK coalition Government. I also accept that the SNP Scottish Government must now show leadership in getting our country through these tough times.

"If ever there was a need for Scotland's Parliament to work together, this is it. Labours economic mismanagement may have got us into this mess but we all have a responsibility to fix it."

"However we must do so without selling off the family silver. In water rich Scotland where water Bills are the lowest in the UK, as far as I'm concerned that makes privatising Scottish Water a non starter. Higher water bills for private profit is an English model Scotland must reject. I also hope that the cuts coming to Scotland will also make other parties reconsider additional powers for the Scottish Parliament to allow Scotland to better grow our economy and protect frontline services".