Affordability of Scottish water and sewerage charges

In 1996 the Scottish water industry underwent its most radical restructuring in over a century. Prior to this date the delivery of water and sewerage services to the general
public had been a function of local government, most recently carried out by the water departments of the twelve regional and islands councils. From April of that year responsibility for these services transferred to three public water authorities (PWAs), whose board members and senior officials were appointed directly by the Secretary of State for Scotland.