Scotland Water Bills

pablakeman

Hello,

I will be moving up to Edinburgh soon for a graduate scheme and my Scottish girlfriend has told me that Scottish people don't pay for water as it is free provided for by the council. I assumed that this would just mean higher council tax.

However, on further research it seems that you do pay water, it just goes through the council tax bill. According to Shelter, I can also pay Scottish water directly.

Can somebody explain the system please quickly? And also, what is the best option for a young professional living by themself?

Thanks!

macman

Yes, that's correct. Water and sewerage charges are collected as part of your Council Tax. You can apply to Scottish Water for a meter, but you pay for the installation (the meter itself is free) unlike in England and Wales.