Scottish Water prices frozen for third year

Scottish Water's charges are to be frozen for the third year running.

The publicly-owned utility said the cost of its water and waste service, which averages about £324 a year, will remain the same in 2011-12.

Scotland's councils have also pledged to implement a council tax freeze for a third year, after agreeing a funding deal with the Scottish government.

Charges in England and Wales have not yet been set but Scottish Water said it still expected its prices to be lower.

Richard Ackroyd, chief executive, said: "We believe these charges are a fair deal for our customers in these challenging economic conditions.

"These charges are helping to pay for the current £2.5bn investment programme which is delivering the investment that Scotland needs in its water infrastructure while providing thousands of construction jobs."