Water metering

The scottish government’ s latest initiative on water charges demonstrates yet again the SNP’S regressive culture. Roseanna Cunningham wants to reduce the single occupier relief on water charges. Many, if not the majority, of the beneficiaries are pensioners living alone, often on fixed incomes. Individually, these are low water volume consumers who are already paying over the odds for their water services.

By cutting the discount, the SNP seeks to ratchet up the premium that single occupiers already pay. Unlike in England, there’s no escape to metered supply. Even prior to the SNP administration there’s been an assumption against metered supply in Scotland, even for new build.

If the SNP was consistent with its oft-touted green agenda then it would enthusiastically promote water metering, as there’s considerable evidence, not just in England but around the world, that metering reduces per capita consumption and thus protects the environment.

Recent weeks have seen pleas from Scottish Water to customers to save water. Unmetered customers have little or no idea of their daily per capita usage. Metering would support informed decisions.

ROBERT MILLER-BAKEWELL

Whiterigg, near Melrose