Scottish Water has said it is to increase its household charges for customers later this year.

The 1.6% rise will come into force from 1 April 2014 and is below the level of inflation.

The company has said this will be the second rate rise since 2009 and is a sign of determination to build on customer service improvements and to maintain its investment in upgrading water works.

It is understood the water charges will remain well below the average household charge of private water companies in other regions in the UK.

-- Advertisement --

Douglas Millican, Chief Executive of Scottish Water, said: "This commitment of low level increases in charges for future years gives our customers reassurance that their water bills continue to deliver real value for money while we provide customer service improvements to water and waste water services in Scotland.

"Our customers are benefiting from Scottish Water's continued strong financial performance and its focus on delivering further efficiencies. That is why we have been able to give our customers the security of knowing that their charges will continue to be stable while we continue delivering vital investment.

"Our customers are continuing to see value in the charges they pay combined with improved service. The quality of our drinking water is the best it has ever been, we are continuing to improve the natural environment across Scotland and customer service is continuing to improve.

"We believe these charges are a fair deal for our customers in these challenging economic conditions."

(JP/CD)