Section 1 – Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland
6.This section continues in existence the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland established by section 67A of the 1994 Act (which was inserted by section 12 of the Water Industry Act 1999 (“the 1999 Act”)).
7.Subsection (2) gives the Commissioner the general function of promoting the interests of customers of Scottish Water in relation to the provision of services by it in the exercise of its core functions. This is similar to the Commissioner’s general function under the 1994 Act in relation to the existing authorities. Scottish Water’s “core functions” are all its statutory functions, but excluding its new general power under section 25(1) and the ancillary power under section 25(2) so far as relating to that power (see section 70(2)).
8.Subsection (3) gives the Scottish Ministers a power of direction over the Commissioner, equivalent to that provided in the 1994 Act (under section 67A(4)).
9.Subsection (4) gives effect to Part 1 of schedule 1 which makes detailed provision as to the appointment of the Commissioner and as to the Commissioner’s staff, status and accounts which essentially is a restatement of the current provision as to those matters set out in Schedule 9A to the 1994 Act.