Scottish Water has faced criticism after senior executives received large pay rises and bonuses despite concerns over the company’s performance and rising household charges. Critics argue that, as a publicly owned utility, it should prioritise reliable services and fair staff pay rather than rewarding senior management; Scottish Water and the Scottish Government maintain that its pay arrangements reflect its operating model.

Executive remuneration rose by about £400,000, with chief executive Alex Plant receiving a £50,000 salary increase. The dispute comes as water bills rose by 9.9% and workers were offered a 3.4% pay deal, while opponents highlighted pollution incidents and labour unrest as evidence that the payments were inappropriate.