This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Chief Executive of Water Industry Commission appointed
24/06/2005
Alan Sutherland, currently Water Industry Commissioner
for Scotland, will become Chief Executive of the new Water
Industry Commission on July 1, 2005.
The Commission is the body that has been established to
provide independent economic regulation of the water
industry.
Deputy Environment Minister Lewis Macdonald said:
"Following discussions with Sir Ian Byatt, who has been
appointed to chair the Water Industry Commission, I have
decided to appoint Alan Sutherland as the first Chief
Executive of the new Commission.
"In his time as Water Industry Commissioner, Mr
Sutherland has created the framework for regulating
Scottish Water in the customer's interest. The value of
that achievement can be seen in the efficiency savings that
Scottish Water is achieving as a result of regulation.
"Through his performance as Commissioner, Mr Sutherland
has demonstrated the skills necessary to be an effective
Chief Executive of the Commission.
"I know that he will work with Sir Ian and the other
Commission members to ensure that water customers in
Scotland continue to receive improved services at the
lowest reasonable overall cost."
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland was created
by the Water Services etc, (Scotland) Act 2005. It
replaces the office of the Water Industry Commissioner for
Scotland, which advised Ministers on Scottish Water's
charges. Under the Act, the Commission will operate
independently of Ministers to identify the lowest
reasonable overall cost at which Scottish Water can deliver
Ministers' objectives for the business; and determine
Scottish Water's charges on that basis. Scottish Water will
be able to challenge the Commission's determination of
charges at the Competition Commission.
The Act requires Ministers to appoint the Commission's
first Chief Executive following consultation with the
person appointed to Chair the Commission.
The Executive announced the members of the Commission
today and said that Sir Ian Byatt will chair the
Commission.
Alan Sutherland has been Water Industry Commissioner
since November 1999. As Commissioner he is paid £82,600 per
annum at present. He will be paid at the same rate as Chief
Executive of the Commission.